International yields have suffered mightily the last few years. Political uncertainty, trade disputes, and especially over-capacity generated by the ME3 (Emirates, Qatar, and Etihad) have made many routes unprofitable for other carriers. The amount of subsidies (or even their existence) that the Gulf Carriers receive is a matter of great discord.

Over capacity depresses fares and therefore yields. Large 4 engine airplanes represent great risk to an air carrier, you can’t split one in half, but if you have two smaller twins (pick one: 767/A330/777/A350), you can shift seats around based on time of year, or even reduce capacity (say 2 flights/day 3 days a week and 1 flight a day the other 4 days) on a weekly basis to keep fares high enough to enable a profit.

I feel safe in saying that the A380 and 747-8 were gargantuan mistakes made by Airbus and Boeing respectively. “Real” airlines (that are not state supported) are never going to make the mistake again of adding too many seats.

The “restricted airports” theme is also a non-starter IMHO. LHR is an anomaly. There exists adequate runway capacity at most world airports to meet demand for many years.

Finally, I would ask J Boyle if he/she has inside information to know how much of a money maker the 748 is for cargo carriers? I agree that the aircraft is quite capable, but the international cargo market has been tough for many carriers in recent years…..note the parking of freighter by some passenger carriers, those carriers instead being content with belly freight capacity on passenger planes.