fuel costs killed the 747, not the A380
we know this is true because no one is replacing retired 747s with A380s, they are replacing them with smaller, more fuel efficient planes
we know this is true because no one is replacing retired 747s with A380s, they are replacing them with smaller, more fuel efficient planes
For example, an airline might get preferred access to airport berths. Governments, and officials of privatised government entities serve to organise and stabilise this sort of cartel.
OTOH, Lufthansa was the initial customer for 747-8.
So while you correctly pointed out that influence, carriers aren't quite as dependent on their host nations as you assume.
That, and their Emirates alliance have finally turned things around (they weren’t profitable internationally for several years until about two years ago).