Confirmed: New-Build A380's to get all J upper deck

[FlyBoy]

Really? Qantas doesn't think I can fly SYD-LAX any more, and last time I checked, SYD was closer to LAX than SIN. I guess that depends on how many passengers SQ wants to carry and whether they want to risk an uncontained engine failure or not...

A "C" model engine doesn't have the problems it seems...

http://www.flightglobal.com/articles...-variants.html

http://www.flightglobal.com/articles...ht-cycles.html

[inix]

I just hope this means that SQ can start to have saver seats, and if not, at least more standard seats available for redemption!

[kt74]

A "C" model engine doesn't have the problems it seems...

Read the articles you linked. A C model engine is fine if you don't mind replacing it after every 75 cycles...

SYD-LAX is not the problem. LAX-SYD is the problem.

In which case (a) LAX-SIN will be a problem (not exactly a commercial coup if it can only operate nonstop one-way) and (b) SQ will have to upgrade all its engines to the higher thrust Trent 972 version. See here

Actually, the real reason why SQ will not fly SIN-LAX on an A380 in the near future... I mean, let's get real, not that many people want to fly from SIN-LAX daily. You seriously think SQ will fill 500 seats a day without an intermediate stop and copious fifth freedom rights?!

[zvezda]

In which case (a) LAX-SIN will be a problem (not exactly a commercial coup if it can only operate nonstop one-way) and (b) SQ will have to upgrade all its engines to the higher thrust Trent 972 version. See here

Actually, the real reason why SQ will not fly SIN-LAX on an A380 in the near future... I mean, let's get real, not that many people want to fly from SIN-LAX daily. You seriously think SQ will fill 500 seats a day without an intermediate stop and copious fifth freedom rights?!

SQ's new configuration (the point of this thread) will have about 410 seats, not 500. Can SQ sell 400 seats per day nonstop between SIN and LAX in each direction? Obviously yes, if the fares are $1. Can SQ sell 400 seats per day nonstop between SIN and LAX in each direction at commercially fares? I believe yes, given the low CASM of the WhaleJet. SQ would also take high yield passengers from UA/DL/JL/NH/KE/OZ et al. who will be willing to pay more and switch carriers in order to fly nonstop.

The D model Trent 900s probably won't suffice for LAX-SIN nonstop, but it's looking like the E model Trent 900s will be good enough and available by the time the first new improved WhaleJet is delivered to BA in 2013. If SQ exercise their six options in January (after the new CEO has taken over), they can probably have delivery in 2013.

For a bit less than 50% higher trip costs than the A340-500, SQ would carry 12R + ~88J + 200-311Y compared to 0R + 100J + 0Y. Seems like a no-brainer.

[SQ238]

SQ's new configuration (the point of this thread) will have about 410 seats, not 500. Can SQ sell 400 seats per day nonstop between SIN and LAX in each direction? Obviously yes, if the fares are $1. Can SQ sell 400 seats per day nonstop between SIN and LAX in each direction at commercially fares? I believe yes, given the low CASM of the WhaleJet. SQ would also take high yield passengers from UA/DL/JL/NH/KE/OZ et al. who will be willing to pay more and switch carriers in order to fly nonstop.

The D model Trent 900s probably won't suffice for LAX-SIN nonstop, but it's looking like the E model Trent 900s will be good enough and available by the time the first new improved WhaleJet is delivered to BA in 2013. If SQ exercise their six options in January (after the new CEO has taken over), they can probably have delivery in 2013.

For a bit less than 50% higher trip costs than the A340-500, SQ would carry 12R + ~88J + 200-311Y compared to 0R + 100J + 0Y. Seems like a no-brainer.

Amazing information as always zvezda...

SQ238

[zvezda]

Amazing information as always zvezda.

Thank you for the kind words, SQ238.

Looked at another way, the new improved WhaleJet that will become available in 2013 with enough range to fly SFO/LAX/NYC-SIN nonstop with a commercially viable payload will have a trip cost a bit less than 50% higher than the A340-500 while providing just over double the cabin floor area. Even factoring in the need to lower prices in order to sell more tickets, that's clearly a good trade for SQ regardless of the cabin layout chosen.

[MAN Flyer]

I wouldn't place too much significance on that article, as it seems to be lifted (as with several of Alex McWhirter's "exclusive" scoops) directly from the SQTalk and/or Flyertalk forum... (Hi Alex, if you're reading! What are you gonna plagiarise today?!)

Sadly they seem to put far more effort into trying to run a message board instead of their predictable but nontheless enjoyable magazine, which sadly seems to be going steadily downhill in recent times. Since they started getting obsessed with their message board actually.

I think our Alex goes under the handle of LondonCity on other message boards as every other post seems to have a link to the BT wesbite, which is a rather crass way to behave imho.

[SQfan2010]

Thank you for the kind words, SQ238.

Looked at another way, the new improved WhaleJet that will become available in 2013 with enough range to fly SFO/LAX/NYC-SIN nonstop with a commercially viable payload will have a trip cost a bit less than 50% higher than the A340-500 while providing just over double the cabin floor area. Even factoring in the need to lower prices in order to sell more tickets, that's clearly a good trade for SQ regardless of the cabin layout chosen.

Hmm, I'm not sure I understand, but it sounds like there are two options right now:

(1) continue flying the A340 with 100 business seats at cost = x
(2) instead fly the A380 with 12 suites, 88 business seats, and 300 economy seats at cost = 1.5x

In terms of revenue, if we assume 12 suites is equal to 30 business seats and 300 economy is equal to 50 business seats, then the two options can be considered as follows:

(1) continue flying the A340 with 100 business seats at cost = x
(2) instead fly the A380 with 168 business seats at cost = 1.5x

Thus, I can see how the A380 option can generate more potential profit, but if there's no demand beyond the 100 business seats, wouldn't the A340 option be better?

[zvezda]

SQfan2010, wouldn't you agree that there is some demand for Suites and Economy seats on SIN-SFO/LAX/NYC nonstop? SQ got to measure the demand for Premium Economy seats for SIN-LAX/NYC and found it was not as high as expected. They were not able to sell about 100 XY seats at prices that worked given the A340-500's high operating costs.

I don't know what the optimal configuration for a subfleet of WhaleJets serving SIN-SFO/LAX/NYC nonstop would be. Perhaps all Business Class on the upper deck, Suites as they are now, then another Business Class cabin behind the Suites, a 9-abreast 37-38" pitch Premium Economy cabin behind that, and finally the regular Economy cabin would work well. I guess we'll find out in 2-3 years.

[Nick C]

Anyone fancies row 91-96?

[StarG]

Anyone fancies row 91-96?

[SilverChris]

There any A380s with all J Upper deck yet?

[Nick C]

There any A380s with all J Upper deck yet?

Nope

[coffeeblack]

My 2c. Bring back premium Y. Sell it at a reasonable premium and I'm sure there will be an audience out there for it.

[vsepr]

http://airlineroute.net/2011/05/20/sq-a8e-s11/

Singapore Airlines introducing High-Density Business Class A380 configuration
Singapore Airlines starting June 2011 is introducing 2nd configuration type for its Airbus A380 aircraft, which sees Business Class occupies entire upper deck. The new configuration, is coded “A8E” internally, seats 407, a reduction from current 471. The Star Alliance member will also become the 2nd carrier to see upper deck A380 exclusively used for Business Class, after Korean Air (which also have overall capacity standing at 407)

Comparison between the new configuration (A8E), planned operation and existing A380 configuration (A8A/A8B) as follows:

Lower Deck for both A8A/A8B and A8E remains identical

Suite Class Row 1 – 4 (12 Seats)
Economy Class Row 31 – 63 (311 Seats)

Upper Deck on existing A380 configuration (A8A/A8B)
Business Class Row 11 – 27 (60 Seats)
Economy Class Row 71 – 83 (88 Seats)

Upper Deck on new A380 configuration (A8E)
Business Class Row 11 – 27, 91 – 96 (84 Seats)

As of 20MAY11, A8E configuration is to be assigned on following, however they’re subject to change:
Singapore – Sydney SQ221/212 eff 20JUN11 (21JUN11 from SYD)

Additional routes to be assigned when more A380 arrives in the A8E configuration