Do you think the Airbus 380 will be a big success ?

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eatbabyseals

Considering that the A380 is only about 20 percent larger than a fully configured 747-400, the time required for turn around as well as equipment and staff will be about the same. Since the A380 will be operating at existing airports with airlines that currently operate 747's or similar sized aircraft, there will not be much adjustment. The loading doors are designed for ease of entry and exit as one door provides access to the upper deck and the other for the main deck. Some airports will have an air bridge for each deck.

As far as the long term success of the aircraft, that will depend on the reliability of the composite materials.

Gerald J

I totally agree with what you're saying, unless airlines open extra check-in counters, double the the staff for baggage handling, have more staff and jetways for boarding, etc. it could be one big headache. Also, since the A380 will be flying almost exclusively internationally, lines at immigration counters and baggage carousels could be excruciating. If they can make the on-board experience markedly better with bigger seats, more comfort, state of the art in-flight entertainment and somehow better the flying experience, it might be worthwhile, we'll see. Singapore Airlines will be the first to take delivery of the A380 and if anyone can get it right, I think they can. If not, it's just going to be one big cattle call.

jasongoriah

All airports have been prepared for this aircraft. Two jetways and more ground staff. I know an executive at Singapore Airlines and he has informed me that they will be starting boarding of this aircraft 1 hour before departure instead of 30 mins before which is typical. He said if the process goes quicker than expected...they will move up the times. Keep in mind, this plane was not made to have the best turn-a-round time (time it takes to re-fuel, new passengers and baggage loaded). This aircraft was meant to do 1 flight a day maybe 2 and take people as far as it can go. Also, for the person that said the baggage carousel will be a nightmare, it won't because they will unload the bags to multiple carousels. This is sometimes done on the 747. In my opinion this aircraft will not last long because for an airline to fly this aircraft to an airport, they have to adjust gates to fit it. Also, the landing fee's will most likely be outrageous for this type of heavy aircraft so ticket prices will soar.
**Additional Check-In counters will not be necessary because the amount of passengers travelling is the same. If for example Emirates Airlines (A380 orders) does a flight from Dubai to JFK (Example) if they ahve a total 520 passengers there will still eb the same amount checking in if they ahve 2 flights on their A346 if they left 1 hour after each other.

bluesky

wait and see. same thing happened to concord will happen to 380 equipment.

azflyboy6477

its going to bomb

G Dogg

Airbus 380 can have upto 4 jetbridges engaged to the aircraft for boarding/deboarding. 380 is still in it prototype stage, engineers are still working out all its glitchs

Aviator

Ground handeling is not the only aspect that is looked at when building planes. It will have its market especially on high density routes where plane slots are restricted.

sellatieeat

I think taht the airbus will be a hit. The inside looks really futuristic and people are drawn to that. I'm sure they are willing to wait a little longer to ride in the airbus.

nisHAN SOLO

Technically, It's a dream come true for the Aviation sector, which has seen a slump in business, after the WTC disaster. Imagine, travelling with 580 passengers on board, on a single flight..! The more the people, the better the revenues.
But, such a huge plane also has the disadvantage of costly maintaince. Also, all the control systems and the various hydraulics should work in perfect harmony. Since, it carries a lot of people, the work load is tremendous.
There is also the time taken for immigration and luggages, and seating time. Hence, it could potentially turn out to be a White Elephant. It, will be readily bought at this point of time, but as time goes people will shift to smaller and faster planes.

Mano

Your thought is quite practical.
Definitely it will cause teething problems for all the concerned.

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