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#22035 by willd
19 Nov 2007, 13:33
Bloomberg is saying that SRB went on record last week in DXB to say that they want Airbus to create a stretched version of the 380. This follows EK saying the same.

The article is here

So this once agains throws open the whole a380 vs 748 debate for VS and their replacement of the LGW fleet.

A high density 389 would do wonders on the b+s routes if the airports can handle it.

Thoughts?
#191238 by DMetters-Bone
19 Nov 2007, 13:50
I can't see many of the B&S routes being able to cope with the size of a "stretch" A380???? Can you imagine waiting for your bags of a stretched A380 in Tobago? [:?]

Also in that article, SRB was saying that he is willing wait, does that mean LGW/MAN fleet will be waiting a lot longer for their upgraded fleet????
#191245 by willd
19 Nov 2007, 15:13
Originally posted by DMetters-Bone
I can't see many of the B&S routes being able to cope with the size of a "stretch" A380???? Can you imagine waiting for your bags of a stretched A380 in Tobago? [:?]


I would agree but when the original thread regarding the 748 or 380 for LGW was mentioned someone did point out that the vast majority of the VS caribbean destinations are ex US Air Force bases and thus have large runways and taxiways. All that would be needed would be an extension of gate area. What would be good to see- although Airbus havent said at the moment- is how much longer the 389 will be. After all I cant see it being longer than a 346 and the VS 346's have flown into BGI before and I believe also ANU and UVF.

Also in that article, SRB was saying that he is willing wait, does that mean LGW/MAN fleet will be waiting a lot longer for their upgraded fleet????


I think thats referring to airbus who said they will not produce a 389 for the foreseeable future. I would take it as saying "VS and EK want the 389 now get building or VS will be off to Boeing again".
#191264 by andrew.m.wright
19 Nov 2007, 22:49
The A380 made its 1st visit to Orlando last week as part of the current world tour :)

Interestingly it was parked on a Remote Stand not at a Gate [:(!]

There's also huge billboards around the Airport pronouncing that OIA is ready for A380's [8D]
#191374 by dickoon
20 Nov 2007, 21:34
I emphasise that this is an unfounded wild guess, coming from my metaphorical nether reasons rather than a crystal ball, but it's fun to ponder.

Do you good folk consider it at all plausible that VS might have an interest in pushing their A380 deliveries back yet further from 2013 to 2015 and being launch customer for this hypothetical A380-900? Presumably this would involve taking rather more than 6 'planes and 6 more as firmed-up options - Wikipedia suggests VS are after 10 more 'planes to replace their LGW fleet, so conceivably we might be looking at an order of 22 - but it might be possible for VS to get an (even more?) attractive deal this way.

Dreamily,
Chris
#191386 by Denzil
20 Nov 2007, 22:34
Not sure VS will ever be a launch customer again, they really got their fingers burnt (and still are) with the A346. Let the likes of SQ (who i can guarantee take no poo) & sort them out first. Anyway, EK will be like rats up a drain pipe to get hold of the A389.
#191388 by willd
20 Nov 2007, 22:39
Yeh I agree with denzil VS wouldnt be a launch customer ever again. The negatives far outweigh any benefits.

EK will be the launch customer without anydoubt.
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