Qantas’ largest aircraft takes off as demand falls
Transport and Logistic News reports that Qantas’ launch of the world’s biggest airliner, Airbus A380, comes at a time of falling passenger demand, the airline’s chief executive Geoff Dixon said.
The airline’s inaugural A380 service has departed Melbourne for Los Angeles this week, making Qantas the first Australian carrier to operate A380 jets.
The Melbourne-Los Angeles A380 service would be followed by its first Sydney-Los Angeles service this Friday.
At the launch of its 20 Airbus A380 jets, Mr Dixon said there had been a decline in passenger demand across all travel classes.
“There is a lessening in demand in all classes, Qantas has held up better than most airlines,†he said.
Mr Dixon said the company would take delivery of three A380 aircraft by the end of this year, with its 20-strong order to be delivered by the end of 2013.
“By the end of 2009, when our eighth aircraft has been delivered, Qantas will offer daily A380 services to Los Angeles from Melbourne,†he said.
The company’s A380 services to London via Singapore are expected to commence in January 2009.
Sydney Airport has welcomed the A380 roll-out, saying it would enable quieter and more environmentally friendly flights.
According to Airservices Australia, the A380 is between 2.3 and 6.7 decibels quieter than the 747-400 when departing Sydney Airport.
A three-decibel reduction is regarded as a halving of an aircraft’s nose energy.
The airport’s CEO Russel Balding said to be ready for the new-generation jet, Sydney Airport invested about $120 million in upgrading aviation infrastructure including new aerobridges and strengthening the main runway.
“The significant of the A380 is that it can carry more passengers than other aircraft meaning that fewer and quieter A380 flights are required to transport the same number of passengers.â€
“The A380 is important because it helps Sydney Airport meet the demand for flights, and it does so in a way that reduces aviation’s impact on the environment,†Mr Balding said
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