From: George Sherwood 

As I said when the A-380 was launched, airlines are beginning to re-think
the economics of the aircraft.  Unfortunately this is from this weeks
Aviation Week and not online without a subscription.  In an article about
the new 747-8 they write:

  "The 747-8 only offers an additional 34 seats over the 747-400's 416
capacity, but it has significantly greater reach, with a design range of
8,270 naut. mi.
   What could play into Boeing's hands is skepticism among some A380
customers about the aircraft's economics.  Although Airbus is hoping some
of its current A380 customers will soon start to exercise options for
additional aircraft, an Air France/KLM planner is skeptical.  The carrier
has bought 10 A380s and holds options for four, but the planner says the
airline is starting to have doubts about the operating economics of the
mega-transport, finding few routes where employing the aircraft makes
sense.  However, that attitude may not translate into 747-8 orders. Instead
Boeing's 777, for which Air France is already a major customer, could
benefit."

IMO opinion only the start.  I still haven't seen resolution of the wing
loading problem and how much later will be the first deliveries.  So how
many years will it take to reach the break even point?

George

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