Air France introduces Paris-London A380 service

[andorra-airport]

Air France is considering deploying Airbus A380 aircraft on the short route between Paris and London Heathrow.
The airline has three of the type, which are serving New York JFK and Johannesburg.

But a spokeswoman for the airline says that the carrier is looking at other options to exploit the capacity and, while the plan has not been firmed, it is not ruling out putting the 538-seat jet on the route.

While not giving full details of the reasoning behind the potential deployment, which could occur "in the next few weeks", she indicates that pilot training and a desire to maximise the use of the aircraft are among the considerations.

She adds that Paris-London is a busy route and other carriers have shown that they can justify large-capacity aircraft on relatively short, high-density sectors.

(Flightglobal.com)

[Acid-drop]

?

It would take more time to fill in the plane than fly the route, no ?

[cnc]

?

It would take more time to fill in the plane than fly the route, no ?

it would be cheaper then deploying 2 smaller aircrafts and they don't need extra slots

[Acid-drop]

how come this has never been done with 747 or A340 then ? (or has it ?)
This also prove that eurostar has still a lot of margin for expantion ...

[cnc]

there have been 747's deployed between CDG and LHR in the past. the main reason to use the A380 appears to fully use the aircraft while it now sometimes waits hours on the tarmac untill its next longhaul flight.
I doubt they will schedule an A380 every day to fly the short route because it doesn't seem possible to me from an operational point of view

[sdbelgium]

I heard Airbus could deliver earlier then thought and they need to send pilots on the line for training. Otherwise they can't use the aircraft. They trained 747 pilots by sending them to NCE and LHR, too.

[andorra-airport]

Le Figaro understands Air France will ply flights AF1981 (departing London at 1250) and AF1980 (departing Paris at 1005) with the A380 from June 12.

Placing the A380 on a short route such as this would enable Air France to accelerate the training of its crew on the superjumbo, as pilots and cabin crew are required to complete a certain number of flights on new aircraft. It would also give the carrier the chance to show off the A380’s economy, business and first class products to passengers in the hope they might be tempted to switch to long-haul flights via Paris.

[regi]

this will mean that some passengers will have to wait many more hours at LHR or CDG for their connection.( because there will be less flights )
But they will have flown the A-380, that is positive.

[andorra-airport]

how come this has never been done with 747 or A340 then ? (or has it ?)

They did and still do in rare cases.. KLM (AMS-LHR) for line training, or like last year , when Eurostar had problems (BA, 747 LHR-CDG and LH, A340-600 and 747 between FRA + LHR).

I remember CX flew HKG - AMS - MAN with a 747, not so many years ago.
(And I remember a few years ago Kalitta did JFK-EWR for repositioning, don't know if the still do it)

[grnkg]

Hi,

The first TNT 747 (OO-THA) flew LGG-HEL for three weeks in January 2007 for the same reason (line training).

Kind regards,
GR.

[sdbelgium]

A380 flights CDG-LHR-CDG are now bookable on the AF website as from 80€ return.

[A3XX]

Maybe spotters unite themselfs and go together for a weekend of spotting at LHR. Maybe a way to cut costs.
I'm in for the suggestion, who else? Flying the A380 for that price! (80€/both ways)

[airtrotter]

Maybe spotters unite themselfs and go together for a weekend of spotting at LHR. Maybe a way to cut costs.
I'm in for the suggestion, who else? Flying the A380 for that price! (80€/both ways)

yeah, good idea! It's more fun in group, than by yourself

[sn26567]

AIRFRANCE from 12JUN10 to 30AUG10 begins Airbus A380 service on Paris CDG – London Heathrow route. Service operates 3 to 4 weekly for crew training. First class seating is not open for reservation.

Schedules:

Code: Select all

AF1980 CDG1005 – 1025LHR 388 167
AF1981 LHR1250 – 1505CDG 388 167

From 02JUL10 to 02AUG10, service operates on Day x234

AF1980/1981 usually operates with Airbus A321

Source: airlineroute.net

A word of caution: An advisory on the Air France website states, "For internal or operating reasons, the carrier may change the type of aircraft without advance warning."

[sn26567]

airlineroute.net mentions an introductory fare €15 round-trip plus tax!

[AY812]

I will try to get on the A388 for a short hop over the channel....It would be nice indeed if some Belgian spotters would unite for this occassion.

[b-west]

Just booked a trip in august for €78

That's cheaper than taking Eurostar from Paris Nord...

And adding the €50 I'm gonna pay for the TGV, it's still cheaper than flying from BRU...

And it's the A380

[regi]

Just booked a trip in august for €78

That's cheaper than taking Eurostar from Paris Nord...

And adding the €50 I'm gonna pay for the TGV, it's still cheaper than flying from BRU...

And it's the A380

Ok, I am jealous, but what about that ashcloud

[cathay belgium]

Hi,

Ok, I am jealous, but what about that ashcloud

Just pray my lord !!
Fingers crossed but how long can the ashcloud be as active/popular ??

Best known export product of Iceland ! Ashes !

CX-B

Think the new Icelandair flights to BRU will clean the way with their jetblast !

[regi]

latest news is that this ash cloud could be a problem for months - even for...decades.
So all on the train again.