DFW expecting the October 2014 Arrival of the A380

[RicHicks]

According to the February 10, 2014 issue of Bond Buyer, DFW is making gate arrangements for an October 2014 arrival of the A380.

http://www.bondbuyer.com/issues/123_27/ ... 710-1.html

Could be British or Emirates. Have not seen this story elsewhere online.

[Greg]

Awesome. It was just a matter of time. Will be exciting if this is confirmed. We can probably rule out Qantas, as they have said DFW will wait for the next batch of 380s. So, BA or EK? I lean towards EK myself for two simple reasons:

1. Sheer number of 380s
2. BA/AA seem more focused on frequency on the DFW/LHR route.

[longhorn]

How will DFW deal with the wingtip clearances? Most likely keep ops on the same side with Terminal D on the west side. I wander if the taxiway bridges on the north and south of the airport can handle the A380 weight.

[Greg]

380 ops will be confined to the West side, is my understanding. I believe this was discussed previously in a thread, when I have more time later today I will look it up and post.

[DFW4ever]

I think it's BA I doubt there will be enough passenger load for an EKa380 plus a Qatar and Etihad flight .

[RicHicks]

The four bridges you are referring to cannot handle the weight as they were designed long before the thought of an A380 or a 747-800. The 380 and 747-8and 9 are in Group VI. This group VI has to traverse with concrete under its engines. It would land and take off on 18L / 36R. While 17R / 35 L is also 200 ft virtually every group VI that is destined for the West side will land on the west.

[Greg]

I think it's BA I doubt there will be enough passenger load for an EKa380 plus a Qatar and Etihad flight .

I've posted the latest load factors for foreign carriers; Emirates continues to shine, but, they may be cautious indeed with those two coming on board into DFW.

virtually every group VI that is destined for the West side will land on the west.

Great for us shutterbugs! And a quicker taxi for the passengers.

UPDATE 10pm - A rather reliable source indicates it will be Emirates. It bears noting that Emirates now has 45 A380s in their active fleet - if you disregard their nearly monthly mid 90s load factors, a fleet of that size alone may almost bear out the 380 theory!

[DFW4ever]

Thank you so much for posting loads. I mean I honestly see hope that DFW can accommodate an EKa380 and 2 other middle eastern carriers. We have a solid regional traffic to feed the routes. Along with American Airline having passengers connect. And one advantage Middle eastern carriers have is that they have so much oil. So they can offer a good price and still make profit. Along with a strong Middle Eastern population. Indian population is pretty strong in Dallas as well. And Indians prefer flying Middle eastern carriers. And Each airline has a different experience to offer. Qatar will not offer first class but EY and EK will. And each airline offers different departure times as well. Anyways I hope for the best. It's sad Korean air trimmed it's service down. But if Koreans are willing to drive from Houston to Dallas or other places to fly them. Then with Delta's new operations from DAL I'm sure Koreans wouldn't mind driving from Dallas-Love to DFW to catch korean. And hopefully the service shoots back up.

[RicHicks]

Greg: it is my belief that it will be BA, there is a rumour page with a "reliable" source pointing toward BA's A380 upgrading. Though It would be great if were both BA and Emirates.

[RicHicks]

I sent an email to Terry at the DMN. Here is his article that posted today:

http://aviationblog.dallasnews.com/2014 ... port.html/