LAX is far behind SFO in readyness for the A380

[Bazz]

From the LA Times 17 January (you may need a free subscription to read the full piece).

S.F. Airport Set for the Big One

By Jennifer Oldham, Times Staff Writer

SAN FRANCISCO — With ample seating in its spacious international terminal and six gates equipped for doubledecker jets, not to mention a fine selection of restaurants, this city's airport is ready for the massive 555-seat A380 airliner.

LAX has none of the above.

'...But one carrier, Virgin Atlantic, has postponed its A380 service to LAX until early 2008 in part because it is concerned that the airport won't be ready...'

Link Here

[Scrooge]

Well that give's me more time to save the miles then...

Ok is the feeling that SFO will get an A380?

I figured VS would combine 7/8 and 23/24 and just fly the A380,but does SFO get the consistent load's to justify one?

IIRC there used to be a 2nd SFO frequency (before 9/11) from LGW.

So I guess there is sufficient demand?

[Bazz]

Maybe after Virgin America commence operations out of SFO we could see an increase in demand and with the airport throwing itself behind the A380 we may well see one on that route in a few years time.

[ChuckC]

Originally posted by Bazz
Maybe after Virgin America commence operations out of SFO we could see an increase in demand and with the airport throwing itself behind the A380 we may well see one on that route in a few years time.

I agree with that, Bazz, and would say that LAX would be there as well albeit a bit later perhaps. LA is growing so fast. Politics and an ineffective mayor (Hahn) kept the 380 decision from being made when it needed to be and we suffer a bit for that now. But with a highly popular mayor (Villaraigosa) in place, "all things are possible" and many public works projects are being green-lighted.

Chuck-

Don't forget that airports have to be ready to accept the A380 even if VS aren't intending to operate one there, we need somewhere to go in the event of a diversion.