It is difficult for US and European legacy carriers to effectively compete internationally, and they are increasingly seeking governmental assistance to overcome what they perceive to be unfair competition. From a consumer standpoint, we are fortunate that such actions are…
Japan’s Skymark Airlines declared bankruptcy in January. This was not a surprise as many thought the company’s ambitions were unrealistic. When it folded, the airline had large debts to both Intrepid Aviation and Airbus. Skymark filed for bankruptcy protection because…
The A380 has been widely criticized by many industry analysts as too large, too expensive and too difficult to successfully operate for many airlines. However, when all costs are considered, the A380 offers compelling economic benefits for airlines that fly…
Skymark is bankrupt and is a case study for an airline’s eyes being too big for its stomach. We were not alone in finding this airline’s order of A380s – especially six of them – to be over the top.…
The maiden flight of the A380 occurred ten years ago this week, with entry into commercial service two years later. With lower than expected sales, program has been labeled as unsuccessful by some, despite a strong and profitable operation with…
There is no airline more associated with the A380 than UAE’s Emirates Airline. The biggest A380 customer by an order of magnitude, the airline and aircraft are synonymous. Even as Airbus struggles to convince airlines of viability of its flagship,…