Airbus studying Airbus A380neo, but "no plans to build it"

By David Flynn, June 11 2014
Airbus studying Airbus A380neo, but

Airbus says it is looking at a next-generation Airbus A380neo, based on interest in the proposed aircraft from Emirates Airways.

"We are studying it" confirmed John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Office Customers, at Airbus' annual international media conference in Toulouse, France.

"When your largest customer is encouraging you to study it, we will continue to study it" Leahy added, although he allowed a cautious caveat that "At the present time we are not planning to (build) it... we have made no commitment to do so."

The A380neo would be fitted with new high-efficiency engines (in Airbus parlance, 'neo' stands for 'new engine option') designed to burn less fuel.

The souped-up superjumbo could also employ refined aerodynamics to further reduce fuel burn and extend range.

Emirates – which is Airbus' largest A380 customer, with a staggering 140 superjumbos on order – is already talking up the proposed A380neo platform.

“(The A380) is our flagship and there is a distinct possibility that the neo, if built, will give us an improvement in economics of up to 10 to 12 per cent so that is definitely worth having" said Emirates airline president Tim Clark. “And I’m hoping to move on that fairly soon.’’

“(The A380) makes us money even today but it would make us better money if they did the neo.’’

Airbus is already floating a revamped A380 design with as many as 22% more seats, including an optional 11 seats across in economy, although Emirates has already ruled out adopting an 11 abreast economy layout.

"It puts a middle seat in the five arrangement which is not very attractive," Emirates president Tim Clark said of his decision to nix an extra economy seat in the middle of what's currently a 3-4-3 layout.

"Imagine you've got a problem and you have to keep on getting out and going to the loo."

Read: Emirates to upgrade Airbus A380 economy but rules out 11 abreast seating

Qatar Airways has also flagged its interest in the A380neo.

“You know that Qatar Airways will always make sure that whatever is developed by the manufacturers, we will have it" CEO Akbar Al Baker said at a press conference at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai in May, when asked about the A380neo.

"A very good example is the A380s, the reason we got so delayed is that we demanded that the new wing be attached to our A380s. So we will always be a step ahead, together with our friends at Emirates, to make sure both of us always get the best aeroplanes."

Australian Business Traveller is attending the 2014 Airbus Innovation Days media conference in Toulouse as a guest of Airbus.

For the latest information for business travellers and frequent flyers, follow @AusBT on Twitter

David

David Flynn is the Editor-in-Chief of Executive Traveller and a bit of a travel tragic with a weakness for good coffee, shopping and lychee martinis.

25 Sep 2013

Total posts 1245

Since when are Qatar and Emirates "friends"? ;)

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

05 Jun 2014

Total posts 210

I was thinking the same thing!!!

Singapore Airlines - KrisFlyer

14 Jan 2014

Total posts 341

marhaba ya habibi

LR
LR

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

28 May 2012

Total posts 76

huh?

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

17 Aug 2012

Total posts 2207

I Googled "marhaba ya habibi" as posted by Speedbird, and found some Arabic song-and-dance routines.

Looks, uh, hectic.

Al
Al

13 Sep 2012

Total posts 5

It means - Hello my beloved

LR
LR

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

28 May 2012

Total posts 76

Thanks


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