QF A380 to Bangkok

[Peter Agatsiotis]

This is more of a question, but was wondering why QF1 is not operated by an A380?

I know there were some serious problems at the new Bangkok airport (built on a swamp) with some subsidence issues on taxiways and some reports of cracks on the main runway. Apparently reports indicate that the 'swamp' was not drained well in the rush to get the airport operational.

Or, is it that the airport/terminal is not 'A380 ready'?

[Ash W]

PLEASE refrain from quoting the entire above post as previously stated - mod.

I think it is more a case of not needing an A380 on QF1/QF2 rather than airport issues in Bangkok.

[Adam W]

Airport issues aside I'd say that competition has a fair bit to do with it. The QF 31/32 A380 is to compete with the SQ A380 between Sydney and Singapore and Singapore and London.
Qantas' long term plan is to have all Australia to London flights operated by the A380 so I would say we will eventually see the A380 operate the QF1 as more aircraft are delivered.
Thai Airways has the A380 on order so I would say that Bangkok airport will be A380 capable in the near future.

[Ash W]

Thai Airways has the A380 on order so I would say that Bangkok airport will be A380 capable in the near future.

It already is capable.

[Nick Te Mata]

QF31/32 is the better use of the 380 initially for a few reasons. As 31/32 is an onward LHR service, it is used to carry traffic not only from SYD but also the connecting ADL/PER/BNE QF services, the CNS-DRW JQ flight and more recently a heap of 3K (Jetstar Asia) traffic whose HQ is in SIN.

SQ are a well-known fierce competitor of QF as well -- SIN/LHR is hotly contested between the two (excluding BA who collude with QF) and being able to offer the premium product is QF's best hope of keeping in the game, especially as SQ have a bit of a headstart with more 380s in service at present and can guarantee use of their new product on the route.

Eventually, the 380 will be used on QF1/2 but SIN is the priority. I'd guess QF9/10, the MEL originator, will beat QF1/2 to getting the 380 as well.

[Sarmad Al-Khozaie]

BKK is A380 Capable, Emirates flies the A380 on DXB-BKK-DXB Daily.

[Peter Agatsiotis]

Thanks all; Sarmad, of course - forgot about Emirates.