alright people, place your bets on the A-380

[legoalex2000]

thing.

[Craig.]

It will be next summer. Airbus have said that already, and barring any unforeseen problems that wont change. I believe Singapore airlines in june or july next year are supposed to go first.

[C]

Yep, Singapore airlines, probably on the London-Singapore route initially, 2nd to 3rd quarter off 2006...

The first Singapore fin is now mated to the fuselage of their first aeroplane...

[commoner]

Yep, Singapore airlines, probably on the London-Singapore route initially, 2nd to 3rd quarter off 2006...

The first Singapore fin is now mated to the fuselage of their first aeroplane...

...Nah....EASYJET......London Luton to Liverpool John Lennon.................commoner  ;D

[Jimbo]

Possibley Ryan air, fares from 99p

Has London heathrow managed to build the massive new terminals for this beast yet?

Jimbo

[Craig.]

no, completed early next year i believe.

[Ben_M_K]

Does anyone know when China Southern will start operating? I will probably be on China Southern in 2006 sometime and I would love the oppertunity to fly the A380!

[Fozzer]

Fozzers back garden to Sainsbury's car park.
Daily return, 50p.

Sorted... ...!

Paul....hold very tight, please....

[Jared]

I don't know, I'm guessing reality will be about 2 hears..

[Craig.]

NEXT SUMMER. It is highly unlikely it will be delayed, Airbus and the Airlines have both said it will be in service in about 13 to 14 months tops.

[Paz]

 I can't think of anywhere I will ever go that will require a ride on such a large plane, unless they use them on flights to Hawaii, I might go there some day.

[legoalex2000]

hey, im taking a 757 to Hawaii this summer. i dont think you need an A380 to go to Hawaii.

[Hagar]

I can remember exactly the same things being said about a new aircraft around 35 years ago.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_747

Initially, many airlines regarded the 747 with skepticism. Boeing's rivals, McDonnell Douglas and Lockheed, were working on wide-body three-engine "tri-jets", which were significantly smaller than the proposed 747. Many airlines believed the 747 would prove too large for an average long distance flight and instead invested in tri-jets. Furthermore, there was worry about whether the 747 would be compatible with existing airport infrastructure.

Another issue raised by the airlines was fuel efficiency. A three-engine airliner burns significantly less fuel per flight than a four-engine, and with airlines trying to lower costs, fuel efficiency was an important issue that would return to haunt Boeing in the 1970s.

The 380 is intended for a particular market & obviously other types will be more suitable depending on the route. I doubt anyone would worry too much about which type they travel on if the fares were considerably lower than anything else. Fuel efficiency is another factor. Unless politics comes into play, as it has before, the decision will be made by the airlines & the travelling public so we shall just have to wait & see.

[flyboy 28]

Have any domestic (US-based) airlines placed orders for it? Or are they waiting on the 787?

[Hagar]

Have any domestic (US-based) airlines placed orders for it? Or are they waiting on the 787?

I don't know but I doubt it. AFAIK the A380 is not intended for that market. I would think that US domestic airlines would naturally go for US-manufactured aircraft if possible.