The Airbus A380 – Sometimes called a WhaleJet or a BlunderBus, it does have redeeming features in the carriers that have so far implemented it – least of all in First, Business or even down the back where there have been innovations throughout.
However, Airbus quote a theoretical 853 ultra-dense all Economy layout of an A380 as the maximum design limit.
Well it seems Air Austral is going to take up with a passenger payload of 840 all economy seats which was confirmed at the Dubai Air Show (and first reported in January this year).
Yes – you read that right. 840 Seats.
Here’s a computer rendering to make you boggle.
Image – Airbus S.A.S.
Air Austral, whilst no big operation has 3 ATR72-500s, 2 737’s of the classic variety, 2 777-200ERs and 3 777-300ER’s in their fleet. Even the 777’s have a “Business” Class seat in them though.
It’s a case of “Built it and hope they will come”. Whilst we can wish them the best, I have questions if they can actually fill a A380 over that route, least of all with a stop in Reunion, and make it pay with Economy Class tickets only.
There’s not much more to say than… ouch?
