I know there is a list of currently supported A380 airports somewhere and that only a few of them are in N. America. I was wondering what carriers plan to fly the A380 to the United States and to what airports?

LH LAX JFK?
VS JFK?
QF LAX?
SQ LAX?
AF JFK, LAX?

Thanks for any info or insight.

SFO as well

QF or VS

does anyone have the list of airports that are A380 "ready"?

-Ryan

LH will probably have the A380 on more N. American routes than just JFK and LAX - especially considering that they have 15 aircraft to be delivered and lots of talk about a follow-up order to come sometime soon through a price compensation package offered by Airbus to make up for the delays.

Besides JFK and LAX (obvious choice), I would put my money on ORD and IAD (both major UA hubs), SFO (also a UA hub) will probably see service with the later batch of A380s, DEN (also a UA hub) will be a possible candidate (maybe just a seasonal service in summer) especially considering how much the capacity on this route has grown in the last few years and that LH is presently operating B744 daily on the route. Miami will also be a very good candidate for LH - the airline is not adding any additional flights over the daily B744 service and the station has been screaming for capacity for the past few years. Mexico City has certainly the capacity to fill up an A380 daily and will definitly be a candidate, and Toronto may be operated on a seasonal service.

All in all I see the LH network supporting easily an add on order for another 7-10 aircraft, especially considering their far Eastern hubs (Tokyo, Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong, Delhi, Mumbai, Singapore and Bangkok), as well as Sao Paulo, Tel Aviv, Cairo, Tehran and Johannesburg (all justifiable cities for the monster aircraft). Whichever city will not see A380s from FRA though, will see a second service from the MUC hub.

Air France will schedule the aircraft on the obvious YUL, JFK and LAX routes. Probably IAH and ATL will see service considering Skyteam major hub status. But with just 10 aircraft ordered and no rumors about any follow-up orders, I believe most of the aircraft will be headed on the far eastern routes of the AF network.

QF: without a doubt LAX and maybe SFO. I really can not see them in JFK just yet.

VS: JFK, LAX, and any other major US hub depending on the alliance they will eventually join (no rumors - just the inevitable!). Since my money has always been on Star Alliance (just to piss off BA), I see in the future VS A380s in ORD and IAD. I strongly believe that VS A380s will be giving spotters more delight in the Far East

SQ: Everywhere - just kidding!!! LAX, SFO, JFK (the flight that routes through FRA).

Quoting BoeingFever777 (Thread starter): QF LAX? SQ LAX?

Hopefully they will send the 380's here. If not, maybe Fedex and/or Ups will send the A380F's here for cargo.

Let's not forget FedEx and UPS.

SDF, ONT at least will be A-380 capable for UPS ops.

Quoting Qazar (Reply 3): Besides JFK and LAX (obvious choice), I would put my money on ORD and IAD

you are right. I read a while back in one of the threads LH will begin A380 service to ORD and SFO. didn't hear about SFO, but I'm sure you will see their 380's there in the future.

-Ryan

AF will fly it to YUL.

Ben

FX will indeed be flying their A380s here, they'll all be based out of MEM!
The initial order of 10 will have all but 1 A380 hubbing out of MEM for international flights. The loner will be flying IND-CUN.

Hope this helps.

I thought LAX is not considered ready for multiple 380 ops? Last I'd heard there was even consideration initially that some would be parked at remote stands. I can't see bussing 500 people lasting too long. Which airports are actually "ready" as opposed to those that "make sense" to fly to, such as Star Alliance hubs, etc.

Quoting Fxramper (Reply 9): FX will indeed be flying their A380s here, they'll all be based out of MEM! The initial order of 10 will have all but 1 A380 hubbing out of MEM for international flights. The loner will be flying IND-CUN. Hope this helps.

 , what a helpful reply of FX! Get over it!   AUS will not be seeing any FX A380 service!!

The A380's that FX ordered will be used on routes between hubs in the USA and Asia. As additional aircraft arrive they will serve the FX European hub. AUS is not a FX HUB, so no FX A380's will fly there!

JOE.  

You'll see the occasional A380 at PHX and HNL too. How's that for irony, a whale in the desert.  

[Edited 2006-08-19 23:51:31]

Quoting American777 (Reply 11): , what a helpful reply of FX! Get over it! AUS will not be seeing any FX A380 service!! The A380's that FX ordered will be used on routes between hubs in the USA and Asia. As additional aircraft arrive they will serve the FX European hub. AUS is not a FX HUB, so no FX A380's will fly there!

I never once said AUS will see A380. I never said AUS was a hub for FX. FX will only operate the A380 departing internationally as there aren't many airports that can land a A380. Your post sure adds alot to this thread.   

Where is ANCs red flag when I need it?   

[Edited 2006-08-20 00:09:20]

Quoting Fxramper (Reply 9): A380s here

Well I am sorry for saying you said that FX was going to fly their A380's to AUS. But next time be more specific on your post of which airport you are talking about. A380's here sounded as if you said FX was going to fly A380's to where you are located, AUS.

Quoting FXramper (Reply 13): FX doesn't have any hubs in Europe

Sorry if you're against it but FX has a hub at CDG, which is located in EUROPE.

Here is your ANC red flag: http://aoiosora.at.infoseek.co.jp/image/2002_06/red_card.jpg

JOE.  

Quoting BoeingFever777 (Thread starter): QF LAX?

For sure. First route will be MEL-LAX

Quoting Trekster (Reply 1): SFO as well QF or VS

Quoting Qazar (Reply 3): QF: without a doubt LAX and maybe SFO. I really can not see them in JFK just yet.

QF may not fly their A380's to SFO. At the moment it looks like they are only going to flying to LA. Once QF does start with the A380 to LAX this will free up the B744ER for SYD-SFO to go daily

Quoting WN230 (Reply 4): Quoting BoeingFever777 (Thread starter): QF LAX? Hopefully they will send the 380's here. If not, maybe Fedex and/or Ups will send the A380F's here for cargo.

QF will for sure

Quoting Starlionblue (Reply 5): Let's not forget FedEx and UPS.

Yes, I realize that UPS and FX will be most likely sending there A380's inbetween the United States and Asia/Pacific rim and Europe. Was wanting to know more about the passanger versions being I clearly gave some examples.

Quoting American777 (Reply 11): The A380's that FX ordered will be used on routes between hubs in the USA and Asia. As additional aircraft arrive they will serve the FX European hub. AUS is not a FX HUB, so no FX A380's will fly there!

I'm sure he knows AUS is not a FX hub. Learn to read his post and the forum topic before you make a fool of yourself.

" Probably IAH and ATL will see service considering Skyteam major hub status. But with just 10 aircraft ordered and no rumors about any follow-up orders, I believe most of the aircraft will be headed on the far eastern routes of the AF network."

IAH and ATL aren't A380 compatible though are they?

Perhaps Emirates will fly the A380 to JFK. I hear their A345 service is doing very well and there are plans to increase the frequency.

Quoting VHVXB (Reply 15): Quoting BoeingFever777 (Thread starter):QF LAX? For sure. First route will be MEL-LAX Quoting Trekster (Reply 1):SFO as well QF or VS Quoting Qazar (Reply 3):QF: without a doubt LAX and maybe SFO. I really can not see them in JFK just yet. QF may not fly their A380's to SFO. At the moment it looks like they are only going to flying to LA. Once QF does start with the A380 to LAX this will free up the B744ER for SYD-SFO to go daily

It is possiable for QF to run their LAX-JFK tag with the A380, when MEL-LAX services start in late 2007(currently!), assuming the timetable is roughly the same as now. Weather they will, is a big question! It may happen, especially if QF can be the first to fly an A380 into JFK.

By all reports the tag is really a prestiage/marketing thing, rather than an out right money making route in its own right. Putting the A380 on it, especially if they can a lot of publicity in being first to NYC, may mark it worth it.

Gemuser

Quoting MCIGuy (Reply 12): You'll see the occasional A380 at PHX and HNL too.

HNL maybe, I certainly don't see PHX getting A380 service except for diversions.

-Ryan

Quoting Ordryan28 (Reply 20): HNL maybe, I certainly don't see PHX getting A380 service except for diversions.

I don't know. I was surprised to see BA 744's there last time I was there.

Quoting MCIGuy (Reply 21): I don't know. I was surprised to see BA 744's there last time I was there.

BA hasn't ordered any A380s and more than likely you only saw 1 744 not 744s--PHX will more than likely not see any A380s in the foreseable future.

Quoting Drerx7 (Reply 22): BA hasn't ordered any A380s and more than likely you only saw 1 744 not 744s--PHX will more than likely not see any A380s in the foreseable future.

Yeah, I know BA hasn't ordered A380's and I don't expect them to. But it does show that the capacity is there. BTW, I saw one coming in and one when I was leaving. A really nice sight.  

[Edited 2006-08-20 02:58:18]

Quoting Gemuser (Reply 19): By all reports the tag is really a prestiage/marketing thing, rather than an out right money making route in its own right. Putting the A380 on it, especially if they can a lot of publicity in being first to NYC, may mark it worth it.

True I guess they don't fly full load of pax to JFK as well.

BTW, I don't expect to see A380's at MCI any time soon or ever for that matter, for any reason.  

Quoting MCIGuy (Reply 23): Yeah, I know BA hasn't ordered A380's and I don't expect them to. But it does show that the capacity is there. BTW, I saw one coming in and one when I was leaving. A really nice sight.

Not so sure the capacity is there though--because BA is the only long hauler there. LH pulled out and never came back. BTW--how are BAs loads to LHR from PHX?

Perhaps EWR too? UPS and FedEx have major ops here to serve the NY City metro area. For pax, Singapore, AF, BA, VS, LH already are or may be A380 customers and already serve EWR with 747's, 777's and A340's could fly them into EWR with the A380 along with JFK.
Now when will Airbus will do test runs to EWR - I want to see one fly over and into EWR soon!

AF has confirmed the A380 will be a daily vistor to YUL

Quoting Drerx7 (Reply 17): " Probably IAH and ATL will see service considering Skyteam major hub status. But with just 10 aircraft ordered and no rumors about any follow-up orders, I believe most of the aircraft will be headed on the far eastern routes of the AF network."

That would be great to see the A380 at IAH! Even better in KL colors... dreams can come true.

You think AF would fly it into YYZ?

Sitting here thinking about the A380... Would any carrier ever fly it into DFW (if A380 ready) and there new billion $$$$ Intl. Terminal? Can only think of a two intl. carriers that have the a/c on order that serve DFW:

LH 744/343
KE 777 (how often is this service?)

Would VS ever fly the 380 into LAS? Can LAS handle 380 ops?

[Edited 2006-08-20 04:37:43]

Quoting Qazar (Reply 3): Probably IAH and ATL will see service considering Skyteam major hub status

ATL has already stated that they won't pay for the neccessary improvements needed to become able to handle the A380 ...

I am not sure if MIA is A380 ready but with the great load factors airlines like Lufthansa and Air France are enjoying in the summer, I can see them using an A380 to this popular leisure destination.

I would think with Virin America setting up a hub in SFO, VS will need the capacity of a Whalejet to feed pax to Virgin A.

Quoting MCIGuy (Reply 21): I don't know. I was surprised to see BA 744's there last time I was there.

yes, but as mentioned, BA will not order the A380, rather the 748. I don't think any airlines that fly into PHX plan on ordering it either....maybe if LH flew to PHX still you might have seen A380 service.

-Ryan

Quoting Ordryan28 (Reply 36): maybe if LH flew to PHX still you might have seen A380 service.

Was unaware that LH had the loads to deem an a/c that size on that route if it was still in existence.

Quoting Boeingfever777 (Reply 37): Was unaware that LH had the loads to deem an a/c that size on that route if it was still in existence.

thats why i said MAYBE, because of the fact that no other airline is getting the A380 that currently serves PHX. the loads would not be that high, so of course they wouldn't send the A380.

Quoting Drerx7 (Reply 17): IAH and ATL aren't A380 compatible though are they?

Quoting LN-MOW (Reply 33): ATL has already stated that they won't pay for the necessary improvements needed to become able to handle the A380 ...

Beat me to it. ATL will not do any addons for the A380. There was discussion about adding the ability when the next terminal is constructed, but not before that.

That said, I do believe that ATl could handle two or three a day if spaced apart. Otherwise the baggage system would get overwhelmed. Not to mention the gate areas!

Did anyone mention KE to LAX? It'd easily be 2 A380s a day.

Quoting Dalavia (Reply 18): Perhaps Emirates will fly the A380 to JFK. I hear their A345 service is doing very well and there are plans to increase the frequency.

EK will certainly be using the A380 on the JFK route considering they will be going 3x daily on the route by the end of the year on 345s and 77Ws.

Karan

Quoting BoeingFever777 (Reply 31): Sitting here thinking about the A380... Would any carrier ever fly it into DFW (if A380 ready) and there new billion $$$$ Intl. Terminal? Can only think of a two intl. carriers that have the a/c on order that serve DFW: LH 744/343 KE 777 (how often is this service?)

LH seems very unlikely as DFW is not a Star Alliance hub. Why bring your whale in to go up agaainst aan 800-pound gorilaaaa?

I beleive KE is currently doing 3x weekly with T7's. Since DFW is no longer a Skyteam hub, I doubt this one too.

My best guess would be UPS probably since they have a large presence at DFW. Not sure if you'll be seeing a frequent pax service.

Which brings me back to my earlier post. Lots of speculation on where the 380 might fly as related to airline alliances, etc., but which airports are actually READY for it? I did see on the MCO website not too long ago they were "A380 Ready". SFO has a gate or two. Who else can handle one by the end of the year, assuming there are any actually flying???

Quoting BoeingFever777 (Reply 31): Sitting here thinking about the A380... Would any carrier ever fly it into DFW (if A380 ready) and there new billion $$$$ Intl. Terminal?

I think I read in am older thread that QF is considering doing a SYD-DFW route with their A380 to connect with the AA hub traffic beyond LAX.

Quoting BlueFlyer (Reply 43): I think I read in am older thread that QF is considering doing a SYD-DFW route with their A380 to connect with the AA hub traffic beyond LAX.

they would have the loads you think to send their A380's to DFW?

I've hard about QF and DFW too, but it was always in reference to a 777LR. Oh well.

Now here's a "what if" that I'm sure will tick off some people (if it's because it's a repeated question - get over it). With all of the debate about which airports are ready and what routes this monster will fly, has anyone really considered the possibility that Boeing was right, and the the A380 winds up being a bust? I mean, it IS possible. If another 9/11 occurs, how long will it take the industry to recover? Will airlines still be willing to shell out megabucks for this airplane if they are running 50% LF? Although unlikely (and hopefully not), what happens if it turns out to be another Comet? The crashes killed that bird. Or what happens if production slips further and someone cancels? Maybe more than one airline? I think the fact that many or the world's largest carriers have NOT ordered it tend to lend some legitimacy to the fact they are not convinced it will ever be more than a niche player. Hell, JL and NH could use it HAN-ITM and cram 900 seats in it, that doesn't mean it would be worth it. I think that is why many airports have yet to invest in infrastructure upgrades. Perhaps let the plane prove itself before commiting millions. I would like to see it succeed by all means. But just because they build it, it doesn't mean they will come.

Well, I don't see it turning out like the Comet. That was a different time and jet air travel for the masses was in it's infancy. I don't think the Whale will be any less safe than any other airliner out there. Also, if there is another terrorist attack, it won't just be Airbus to suffer. 787 sales will go down the toilet too.

Quoting Drerx7 (Reply 17): IAH and ATL aren't A380 compatible though are they?

There’s nothing in the current IAH master plan that calls for capital improvements related to the A380. I think most would agree that the cost is not justified.  

Quoting BoeingFever777 (Reply 30): Sitting here thinking about the A380... Would any carrier ever fly it into DFW (if A380 ready) and there new billion $$$$ Intl. Terminal? Can only think of a two intl. carriers that have the a/c on order that serve DFW:

DFW will be lucky if AF decides to return. Pax service is highly unlikely, though cargo service may materialize one day.

I'm just hoping the 787 brings widebody pax service back to MCI.   

OK, I still haven't really seen a full answer to my original post way back - which airports are/will be ready when this thing goes revenue, whether or not they are targeted for service? I have seen on websites: SFO, MCO, JFK, LAX maybe - is that all???

Quoting BoeingFever777 (Reply 29): You think AF would fly it into YYZ?

Nope, they don't even fly the 747 there, not a single 747-400 at YYZ in the database (they're all -200s from the old days).

Quoting Aviator27 (Reply 33): I am not sure if MIA is A380 ready but with the great load factors airlines like Lufthansa and Air France are enjoying in the summer, I can see them using an A380 to this popular leisure destination.

Miami better get ready cos Miami is in the first batch of routes intended for A380 service by both Air France and Lufthansa and Virgin Atlantic.

Quoting Ordryan28 (Reply 35): yes, but as mentioned, BA will not order the A380, rather the 748.

I don't see how anyone can make such a statement, I have been flying (in a GAF Nomad no less) with some blokes from BA's fleet / planning department and they both said "when, not if" on the A380. That said, BA (and the UK's) current fixation with this terrorism doesn't even bode well for the 747-8.

Quoting Bnamaxx (Reply 44): I've hard about QF and DFW too, but it was always in reference to a 777LR. Oh well.

I thought the 777LR had recently fallen foul of a QF fleet review. I must admit, I find QF's reluctance to buy 777s is odd.