A380 - Master Thread

[zackster]

New to this board - I was curious to see if any one has heard if SQ is sticking 19 (?) 388s or if they have signed up for more? I heard from some sources the number is up to 23 now with last delivery in October 2013. Anyone who can confirm or deny?

[Pinkfloyd]

Because of Paul, Singaporeans have lost the use of the slang "Blur like sotong"

Yeah now the main thing on people's lips are the words "Broke because of the sotong!" considering how many people lost money on the WC this year!

[Nick C]

Are first 10 A380s still considered first tranche? Next 9 A380s second tranche?

To follow on. Airbus delivered all the 10 aircraft from SQ's first order last year. -SKK comes from the second order of 9 aircraft. Had there been no deferments from the other airlines (VS, MH, CZ...), -SKK would have been delivered slightly later

IMO, the 471 seat configuration is just about right for 19 aircraft. It would be foolish just to have a small subfleet with a different config. Unless SQ exercises the 6 options, then a separate config is more likely possible (Like QF).

9V-SKL, 9V-SKM, and 9V-SKN will have the same seating configuration as the first 12. I would be surprised if the last four get a different configuration.

Too long away from SQT makes your alphabet a little iffy You missed out #19 -SKS. (Plus XFB )

[zvezda]

Are first 10 A380s still considered first tranche? Next 9 A380s second tranche?

Yes, by definition. It's a matter of when they were ordered.

Earlier in this thread, there was mention of possible changes to the seat configuration

9V-SKL, 9V-SKM, and 9V-SKN will have the same seating configuration as the first 12. I would be surprised if the last four get a different configuration.

[9V-SIA]

Are first 10 A380s still considered first tranche? Next 9 A380s second tranche?

Earlier in this thread, there was mention of possible changes to the seat configuration

ie upper deck all biz class, F replacing R.

Friend who flies R tells me it's difficult to book it to LHR, CDG and ZRH.

If he's right, R will remain.

[zvezda]

9V-SKL made her first flight today and has been flown to XFW for outfitting.

Airbus recently confirmed that they hope to deliver a total of 20 WhaleJets this year. 10 have already been delivered. With the arrival of 9V-SKL, there are now 11 at XFB for outfitting. Since Airbus have more experience outfitting the EK and SQ birds than those of AF or LH, we might guess that 9V-SKL might be completed before one of the birds that arrived before her and thereby make it into the 20 that will hopefully be delivered by the end of the year. The problem with that theory is that the only AF WhaleJet at XFB is already on the flightline and due to be delivered next month while the only two LH WhaleJets at XFB have been there since Feb and April and are due for delivery in this month and September. The only bird that 9V-SKL could conceivably slip past for a 2010 delivery is MSN055, a QF bird which arrived at XFB a week ago. As she will be QF's 9th WhaleJet, I cannot think of a reason why Airbus would be able to outfit one for SQ significantly faster than for QF. There should not be a big learning curve difference between 9th and 12th in the delivery sequences.

More than the question of whether 9V-SKL will be delivered in last 2010 or early 2011, I'm interested in the elapsed time before the delivery of 9V-SKL and that of 9V-SKN.

[9V-SIA]

I was two months off on how long they would need to maintain the current rotation before adding such a flight. I should have included the word "about" in the sentence. Go ahead and nail me up to a cross for that.

Relax. The only person who gets it right all the time is the octopus.

Because of Paul, Singaporeans have lost the use of the slang "Blur like sotong"

[zvezda]

Really? Odd that SQ is upgauging SQ231 to SYD if it would be too much then... Maybe you should let them know they should be flying it to BLR instead...

I was two months off on how long they would need to maintain the current rotation before adding such a flight. I should have included the word "about" in the sentence. Go ahead and nail me up to a cross for that.

[SQKevin]

9V-SKL made her first flight today and has been flown to XFW for outfitting.

[9V-SIA]

Really? Odd that SQ is upgauging SQ231 to SYD if it would be too much then... Maybe you should let them know they should be flying it to BLR instead...

Thanks for that. What's interesting for me is..

1. SQ616/615 SIN-KIX 3x weekly in addition to existing once daily flight
2. SQ490/491 SIN-IST 4x weekly non-stop
3. SQ38/37 SIN-LAX goes daily

[kt74]

For the remainder of the year, SQ will either not upgauge any more flights to WhaleJet service or at most will upgauge one regional flight such as HKG/PVG/PEK/DEL/BOM/BLR. Even SYD/MEL would be too much.

Really? Odd that SQ is upgauging SQ231 to SYD if it would be too much then... Maybe you should let them know they should be flying it to BLR instead...

[zvezda]

Saw four SQ's 380s when in Toulouse on the 15th. SKK was awaiting delivery. MSN 71 or to be SKN was in the assembly along with an AF and LH 380.

Two other SQ A380 were outside. Too bad they don't allow photos at the Airbus factory.

9V-SKL and 9V-SKM are at TLS getting ready for transfer to XFB for cabin outfitting. 9V-SKN will join them shortly.

[zilchster]

Saw four SQ's 380s when in Toulouse on the 15th. SKK was awaiting delivery. MSN 71 or to be SKN was in the assembly along with an AF and LH 380.

Two other SQ A380 were outside. Too bad they don't allow photos at the Airbus factory.

[zilchster]

After 4 months of tight rotations with 10 acft. The inevitable has finally happened! -SKF went tech in CDG. SQ638 tonight has been subbed with -SPJ. Then again, this speaks volumes about the the reliability of the A380. Very impressive.

I was in France that week. Am so glad I wasn't on this affected flight.

[zvezda]

Any thoughts when that would be please?

9V-SPP should retire in either the next fiscal year or the following fiscal year. I would not be surprised if 9V-SKS is painted in Star Alliance livery (with the SQ tail, of course).