Airbus A380 News and Updates

[seven13]

Asiana orders six A380s
By Ghim-Lay Yeo Jan
January 6, 2011
Air Transport Intelligence news

South Korea's Asiana Airlines has placed an order for six Airbus A380s, and plans to take delivery of them from 2014.

The Star Alliance carrier will operate the superjumbo jet on routes to Europe and the USA, says Airbus. It has yet to select engines for the A380s.

"With the A380, Asiana will be able to take its award-winning service to a new level, offering the very highest standards of comfort in the sky," says Asiana's president and CEO Yoon Young-Doo.

"At the same time, the significantly reduced operating costs and fuel efficiencies afforded by the aircraft will enable us to enhance our productivity and reduce our carbon footprint. This is in line with our policy to operate one of the most modern and environmentally-friendly fleets in the world."

The airline did not give details of how its A380s will be configured but Airbus says Asiana's A380s will have a "premium layout".

"The order is a further endorsement of the A380 as the most efficient tool to meet demand on the world's most heavily travelled routes, especially out of the fast-growing Asia-Pacific region," says Airbus chief operating officer John Leahy.

Asiana's order for the superjumbo jet is the first announced since a Qantas Airways A380 was involved in an uncontained engine failure during a Singapore-Sydney flight on 4 November.

Besides the A380, Asiana already has 30 A350s and two Boeing 777-200ERs on order, according to Flightglobal's ACAS database.

Including today's order, Airbus has 240 firm orders for the A380 from 18 customers.

Posted by kyril of SSC from: www.flightglobal.com/articles/2011/01/06/351544/asiana-orders-six-a380s.html

[Evodesire]

I got a feeling this is putting more pressure on PAL as both Korean Air and Asiana are competitors for its LAX and SFO routes. Of course, how will an old school 747 compete with a new gen A380. Only way is to get more 777s or put in orders for 747-8Is.

[seven13]

As long as PR can offer cheaper prices then there's no problem. I think most Filipinos, as long as prices are cheaper and regardless of service and hard products, will choose PR. Kaya nga nag click ang LCC sa CRK kase mura ang price ng tickets maski 2-3hours away sa MM yung CRK.

The last time I was MNL bound on PR from HK, may mga nakasabay akong OFWs (in fact almost half of the Y class are OFWs). When getting off from the plane, there was one who shouted "Ayusin niyo yung kubeta niyo!" I was tempted to reply back and ask them if they are willing to pay for higher ticket price?

[Evodesire]

Wonder what was wrong with the kubeta. Didn't flush? hahaha!

[seven13]

Dunno, I think in general yun. Maybe there were times na when they rode PAL na may sira yung lavatory or something.

BTW, EK is deploying it's A380 on its twice daily DXB-HKG flight.

[Evodesire]

EK might be deploying A380s in majority of their routes later on. 90 A380 orders... just wow!

[seven13]

If it can save them a lot of money, why not?

[Evodesire]

I feel Boeing has to step up its marketing. The 747-8I would be the most practical choice for majority of the airlines, especially those operating 747s already. Its just that the A380 orders are now swelling and majority of the airlines are taking the 777-300ER as 747 replacements.

[seven13]

QANTAS TO RESUME A380 SERVICES TO LA
January 11, 2011
Qantas Airways will resume Airbus A380 flights between Australia and Los Angeles from January 16, the airline said on Tuesday.

Qantas said in a statement the decision followed extensive consultation with engine maker Rolls-Royce, aircraft manufacturer Airbus and Australia's Civil Aviation Authority.

Qantas was forced to ground its fleet of A380 aircraft after an engine on one of the aircraft disintegrated mid-flight in November.

It has since resumed most A380 flights but was not flying the aircraft on the route to and from Los Angeles, which requires the use of maximum engine thrust on take off.

(Reuters)

from: news.airwise.com/story/view/1294740049.html