V-Flyer

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Delta has chosen smaller, more fuel-efficient aircraft over the megasized A380. This has implications beyond merely Delta itself however. The Atlanta-based airline took a 49% equity stake in Virgin Atlantic, an airline with the potential to take delivery of A380s.

An analyst from Deutsche Bank expects that Delta will pressure Virgin Atlantic to not buy these A380s, following in Delta's existing stance on the aircraft. But the first delivery of an A380 to Virgin Atlantic is scheduled for 2018 so there is still time to make a decision.

Virgin recently sold their slots in the production queue, before Delta turned up so I suspect VS don't have plans for them currently.

DL's fleet strategy is a lot more complex than that and you have to put that in context. DL's fleet buying is highly likely not to have a place for the A380, so it doesn't fit for DL. That doesn't mean it's not right for others.

As to whether VS will get them, depends whether it grows a pair IMO.

With the expansion slots avaliable to VS and DL is there any need for the A380's to be added to the fleet..?

Personally I am not a fan of them, not sure why but I think they are too big - if that makes sense. When you have a cabin crew looking after 525 people from 400 thats a 25% increase, this will no doubt have an effect. This is where I would worry, along with the whole experiance...

Also, long term is it worth it? Its too early to tell if this plane will be a success financially.

If VS are buying new planes then I would love to see a return to supersonic flight in oppose to these massive lumbering beasts...

Daniel Armstrong wrote:With the expansion slots avaliable to VS and DL is there any need for the A380's to be added to the fleet..?

Personally I am not a fan of them, not sure why but I think they are too big - if that makes sense. When you have a cabin crew looking after 525 people from 400 thats a 25% increase, this will no doubt have an effect. This is where I would worry, along with the whole experiance...

Also, long term is it worth it? Its too early to tell if this plane will be a success financially.

If VS are buying new planes then I would love to see a return to supersonic flight in oppose to these massive lumbering beasts...

Singapore and Emirates have long sung the virtues of the A380; carriers operating the 744 and looking for growth it's a great replacement. But Slinky is right, it'll work for some and not for others. And who knows with DL, you're talking about an airline that brought back a raft of airframes from the desert graveyards.

What planes did delta revive Simon , genuine question I'm intrigued

Blacky1 wrote:What planes did delta revive Simon , genuine question I'm intrigued

Pretty sure it was MD-88's, I could be wrong but I think it was those. In fairness, they did make a reasonable point in that even though they were gas guzzlers they could get them back online quickly, and cheaper than ordering and waiting for new aircraft. Still, those birds are pretty old.

simonallardice wrote:

Blacky1 wrote:What planes did delta revive Simon , genuine question I'm intrigued

Pretty sure it was MD-88's, I could be wrong but I think it was those. In fairness, they did make a reasonable point in that even though they were gas guzzlers they could get them back online quickly, and cheaper than ordering and waiting for new aircraft. Still, those birds are pretty old.

Thanks , Its great to learn more interesting facts about aviation

DL is very active in buying used planes, for example recently they bought B 717s and refitted them. Their strategy is one of low capital investment, and then longevity in their fleet. DL doesn't rush to buy the newest or 'best' at high outlay.

Daniel Armstrong wrote:If VS are buying new planes then I would love to see a return to supersonic flight in oppose to these massive lumbering beasts...

I think people get swept away by the pictures of the big Emirates luxury suites on the 380, where in reality the only big thing most will experience are the massive queues at baggage reclaim. It also has to be one of the most 'ungainly' looking planes in the sky at present. Looks squat and dumpy in the air and just plain 'ugly' on the ground with its big bulbous forehead. Think its something to do with the fact the cockpit is so low down? Contrast that to the 747 which looks awesome from whatever angle you look at it.