A380 vs B747-8?

Hey

Ive been thinking about whether the A380 or B747-8 is the best option for Virgin in the distant future. Times are tough at the moment but soon enough VS will be looking at replacing their 747-400's and as the a380's are still deferred there is a possibility of a strategy change. IIRC VS were talking to Boeing and Airbus last year about buying aircraft to replace the LGW/MAN fleet. The top choices seemed to be more a380's or B747-8's. I was wondering if both aircraft could operate to all the airports VS operate to or for example would they both struggle in the Caribbean? What are the airport capabilities like on both these aircraft?

Thanks

[Nottingham Nick]

As this is primarily a passenger based forum, that question may be better answered on a.net or other aviation forum.

The vast majority of people here are more concerned with ticket cost, cabin layout, frequent flyer rewards and facilities for passengers; rather than the actual plane we are flying on. Those who do have a preference for the 747 / A360 etc. often base this preference on their cabin comfort and ambiance rather than any desire to fly on a particular make of plane.

We used to have a total ban on Boeing -v- Airbus flame wars debates, that frequently used to appear over there. However, if anyone has any views, please feel free to express them. Mods will only step in, if the insults and barbs start flying.

Nick

I am more interested in the facilities on board and the time / price of a flight rather than a particular make or even sub type of plane from a maker. Those factors are also (to me) more important than travelling on a particular airline.

Would I change my plans to fly on a particular plane? No but some people can and do.

As to individual airports spending to upgrade facilities it would very much depend on the anticipated number of flights and pax. For some it would simply not be worth it.

[Bazz]

The 747-8I should be OK to fly into all VS locations serviced by VS's current 747 fleet, some on remote; the A380 will have some issues, notably wing length and tail height. I guess they could operate on remote also but I can't see too many airport authorities, particularly on B&S routes, spending the money to put in two tier air bridges given the current economic climate. Most of the major airports have suitable gates or are in the process of constructing them.

The A380 will carry more pax but that is only relevant if you can fill all the seats!

My hunch is that VS will end up going with Boeing.

As stated by others, airports may not be willing to modify stands to accept the A380 whereas the requirements for the 747-8 shouldn't be too different from the 747-4.

Another consideration is that the pilot training should be far more straight forward if they go for the Boeing offering. And don't forget, Airbus have just announced they are cutting back on A380 production.

[Scrooge]

The A350 or 77W, the costs are the same, the seating is darn close and the fuel bill is a lot lower.

However, if it was me I would say the 748 would be the better model, as it is now days, the 744 is a great aircraft and it can make buckets of $$$$ for the company IF you can fill it.

Also as Bazz said, the 748 can fly anywhere VS flies, that is not so with the 380.

One thing to remember, VS just renewed the lease's on the LGW 744's, so they are not going anywhere for a while.

The other thing to consider is that Boeing are planning for the 747-8i to have a common rating with the 747-400, with only minimal differences in flight deck config and layout - think hybrid of 744 and 777 layout.

There should only be the need to sit a one day conversion ground school.

Coupled with the previous post about the 748i being able to fit into the airports VS operate the 744 into today, it places Boeing in a very strong position.

Mike

In my opinion I think for an airline like VS you need the 773 for the 380 to work, like ba is doing to replace their 744's. i think because of the fleet VS are building for themselves: 789, 346 and ??? I think the 748 is the best plane for the job on high density leisure and business routes i.e. MCO, JFK. The 789 can then operate the low density business routes and medium density leisure routes whilst the 346 operates the main bulk of the business routes. Anyone got any thoughts?

They have orders on both though I think?
personally I prefer the boeing, looks more chilled out and spacious, the A380 makes me think of cattle.

Lizz,

They've ordered and deferred the 380 and were looking into another order to replace the LGW fleet, either 748 or more 380's. Unfortunately theyve decided not to do the 2nd order yet. I'm with you on the Boeing, I love the airbus dont get me wrong but I think its wrong for VS. Every plane has its market after all.