Qantas to phase out A380s

[mviy]

I don’t think most airlines would be looking to expand their A380 fleets, so would be surprised if BA bought any from QF.

Unless Airbus restarts A380 construction (unlikely) expanding an A380 fleet would create a bigger problem down the line when it comes time to retire the A380 fleet with no replacement with a comparable passenger capacity.

 

[esseeeayeenn]

I don’t think most airlines would be looking to expand their A380 fleets, so would be surprised if BA bought any from QF.

Unless Airbus restarts A380 construction (unlikely) expanding an A380 fleet would create a bigger problem down the line when it comes time to retire the A380 fleet with no replacement with a comparable passenger capacity.

Even EK which has lobbied Airbus relentlessly to build an A380neo has said it will not buy second hand A380s from other airlines.

 

[moa999]

said it will not buy second hand A380s

EK has already scrapped two frames and has 25+ yet to return after Covid. They don't see any medium term need.

Its the longer term where needing to fly more aircraft at least average pax impacts them.

 

[Rayesfeg]

Could BA take ownership of the old QF aircraft to expand their fleet, and extend their current refit program to overhaul them?

I did not realise BA were refitting their A380s (it is desperately overdue).
I know the general consensus is that most airlines won't buy a second hand A380, but given BA is already going to the expense and effort of refitting their existing fleet of A380's, this might actually be a feasible consideration for them.

 

[elanshin]

I don't see Qantas selling any at least not until the last few. They'll also desperately need the parts to keep their other a380s flying as they retire them.

 

[mviy]

And the A380 in the best condition, the most desirable if anyone was interested in buying second hand, would most likely be amongst the last to get retired

 

[Quickstatus]

Can't see why BA would want QF A380 given that it has cancelled several A380 routes in favour of smaller aircraft.

Additionally the refurb will reduce the seat count to 421 from 469. So this means the fleet will, for a time, have 2 config. Adding third config QF with 485 makes no sense.

A380 production will not be restarted unless they are prepared to spend additional millions - I understand the frame specific Jigs and tools have been scrapped.

Additionally, the A380 production space has been repurposed for the A321neo/xlr. They won't repurpose it back to the A380 because of the 5500 frame backlog of firm orders.

There is no need to replace the A380 with a comparable aircraft - the replacement should actually be an optimal aircraft for the airline. The A380 is not suitable for the vast majority of airline operations.