airbus a380

[carolfoy]

well, its finally arrived in heathrow today
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/4990780.stm

can you imagine the check in time for this thing?

 

[angel659]

Its great. How many do VA have or have they not bought any? I wonder if we will get to use this type of aircraft in Oct 2007.

Only question I have. Even though the plane is bigger are you still cramped in like Sardines in economy? Bigger the plane the more seats you can get in.

 

[Minniespal]

Looks fab ~ I wonderf how many passengers it can take?

 

[carolfoy]

it can take 550!!!!! people, wow! no, as far as I know Virgin haven't confirmed ordering any yet but singapore airlines have, the question for the flight operators will be whether they've enough runway to land it on, so I'm not sure that MCO is sufficient. the wing span is nearly 80 metres compared to the 747s 64 and a half but the internal cabin space is only half a metre wider so yes I expect economy will be pretty cramped

 

[Frances999]

Actually, Virgin Atlantic have ordered 6 and have the option to add 6 more if so desired. They plan to use the A380 on routes to San Francisco, New York JFK, Los Angeles, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Sydney.

Virgin Atlantic say that their A380s should start operation in Spring 2008.

It looks like a wonderful aircraft and I love some of the ideas Virgin have for fitting it out!

 

[angel659]

Hi

I wont be flying to those places for a while. The kids are too young I wanted to go to NY next yr, but the kids are 7 3 and 3.

 

[Frances999]

Hi

I wont be flying to those places for a while. The kids are too young I wanted to go to NY next yr, but the kids are 7 3 and 3.

Our children are 3, 6 and 8 - they love New York. There is lots to see and do and it's surprisingly child-friendly. I guess having two three year olds it may not be perfect, though. Our three year old DS does enjoy it, but not as much as our eldest DS and DD.

 

[angel659]

Hi Frances.

It might be possible then.

I will have to start pricing the flights etc. I was not sure if NY was as rough as my friend made out or she is winding me up? It would be great to go. I have always wanted to go.

Thanks.

 

[Frances999]

Hi Frances.

It might be possible then.

I will have to start pricing the flights etc. I was not sure if NY was as rough as my friend made out or she is winding me up? It would be great to go. I have always wanted to go.

Thanks.

I guess (like in all big cities) that there are some areas to avoid, but on the whole I have found it be very safe and efficient. All of the major tourist areas are extremely safe, even after dark. There is also an excellent police presence and, to be perfectly honest, I feel safer in Manhattan than I do in London.

You can get some excellent prices for flights. They are usually quite considerably cheaper than Orlando flights, especially in the school holidays. You could combine with a Florida holiday if you wanted. There are lots of low-cost carriers such as Delta SONG which fly from New York to Orlando for really low prices like $60 each way. They are really comfortable too - with more legroom than Virgin Atlantic economy and excellent seat-back entertainment. It only takes just over 2 hours too

 

[mandymouse]

I watched it land at Heathrow on the telly this afternoon, it looks really impressive

 

[Cochise]

Generally Airlines are looking at 555 pax in standard 3 class, the far eastern airlines (take a guess why) could squeeze 800ish in one class.

I think Singapore will take the first delivery probably early next year, wonderful craft.

 

[shellbell]

I have just watched the clip for this, It looks so big, the wings are huge.

 

[AndRu]

MCO might be able to take the A380 as the runway is only 300m shorter than Heathrow.

I personally hope they don't start incorporating gyms, shops, bars, waterfalls et all in the A380 as it would be a waste of space. It makes more sense from an economic and environmental point-of-view to fit a lot of people into the aircraft. However, I would like to see more room than you currently get in cattle class of a 747.

 

[Cochise]

All depends on what the carriers want to shoe-horn in there. US Airways had a great 34in and i am due on BMI at 32in and they are A333 and A332. But it is all down to the carrier not the aircraft. I havent read anything what are proposed seat config for these but i wouldn't be suprised if the majority of the lower deck is a 3-4-3 Cattle class and the upper a mix of premium/first/business etc.

Cattle i hope would be a good seat width for something this size and lets keep our fingers crossed for some decent pitch figures...

 

[carolfoy]

apparently singapore airlines have confirmed that their first fitting will only offer extra legroom in business and first, the economy passengers will have the same 31" pitch!

 

[Laurafoster]

MCO might be able to take the A380 as the runway is only 300m shorter than Heathrow.

I personally hope they don't start incorporating gyms, shops, bars, waterfalls et all in the A380 as it would be a waste of space. It makes more sense from an economic and environmental point-of-view to fit a lot of people into the aircraft. However, I would like to see more room than you currently get in cattle class of a 747.

Its not just the runway that would be the issue. It would be the taxi ways, if they are big enough for such a wide aircraft.

 

[Cochise]

Also air bridges have to be sorted, waiting areas for boarding have to be expanded, gates may have to be respaced.