myguideTravel Blog

Pondering where the A380 will fly

October 31st, 2007

Last week saw the launch of the A380 from Airbus. One of the world’s best airlines, Singapore Airlines, were the first company in the world to fly the Superjumbo between Singapore and Sydney. This is despite the fact that Airbus, on their website, are not showing any deliveries yet. No wonder it took so long to launch the A380.

Despite the long delay in launching the A380, it’s a still a fantastic achievement. Up to about two years ago I would have not really considered what type of aircraft I was flying. However, when I teamed up with Jim Kelly last year - I could not help and be infected by his enthusiasm for airlines, airplanes, airports and every detail about aviation. Jim is a walking encyclopedia when it comes to air travel. He does have 40 years of experience in the industry but his passion for the aviation industry is amazing.

Nowadays when I take a flight, I always read the little safety leaflet and try and figure out if I am on a Airbus, ATR or Boeing. Then it’s onto which model because as soon as I land, I know Jim will be calling to know what I flew. It is an interesting way of passing a flight. With my new mini hobby I have been following the testing and launch of the A380 for the past year. One of the things I discovered is that it is only flying into one myguideTravel destination - Britain. Both Manchester and London are due to be able to handle the Superjumbo by the end of this decade. For the rest of our destinations they may have to wait a little while. Here are my thoughts on when we can expect to see the A380 in various myguideTravel destinations.

myguideIreland

Size matters and the island of Ireland still only has 5 million people. In terms of locations, Dublin airport is the only realistic contender - if it is ever upgraded. However, it’s at least a decade away.

myguideWales

It probably will never happen. Manchester is too close to North Wales and Cardiff is too close to London. Wales for all it’s charm, is very a small country. That is actually one of the things I love about Wales.

myguideScotland

Size matters here again and Scotland is a country with just 5 million people. If the SNP achieve independence form Britain, then maybe it might happen. While that is a possibility given the current government, it looks unlikely. Edinburgh airport will be the most like contender - if it ever happens.

myguidePolska

With Poland’s population of 40 million people, it will happen. However, it could be a least a decade before economic conditions will support a commercial route with this type of capacity.

myguideNewEngland

Boston looks like the most likely contender. New England certainly has the population to support a service like this. All it needs is for Logan to upgrade its capability.

Entry Filed under: England, Flights, Ireland, New England, Poland, Scotland, Travel, Wales