Introduction of A380 flights is being seen by Airbus as a precursor to “a new wave of orders” for the airliner. The European airframer’s Asia Pacific executive sales vice president, Edouard Ullmo, said earlier this year there likely would be a hiatus as prospective A380 operators considered the aircraft’s initial operations with Singapore Airways (SIA) before choosing between it and the Boeing 747-8I (or the smaller 777). Apparently in anticipation, in late September British Airways (BA) committed itself to 12 A380s, in the process securing delivery positions ahead of any new orders.
Major carriers not yet committed to future high-capacity long-haul equipment are Asian carriers Cathay Pacific, All Nippon Airways (which could plump for the 777 to join its Boeing 787s, for which it is launch customer) and Japan Airlines, and U.S. operators Northwest Airlines and United Airlines. Decisions are not expected in the short term, although February’s Singapore Air Show might prove an irresistible opportunity for at least one Asian operator to speak up.
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