Airbus A380

[The Gentleman Scamp]

I'm not a n aviation or engineering nut but I can't help but take a big interest in this new bohoemeth that will be gracing our skies in the coming years, however, I do have my concerns.

1: We have seen that it can fly, but there are already orders for hundreds of these planes and yet the worlds fuel is supposed to be on the decline to the point that by the time the A380 is a regular sight at mainline airports, surely the price of fuel will have risen considerably enough to have a big impact on the cost of travel, which would contradict the point of the A380 objective.

2: If there is just one accident too early on that involves fatality or not, Airbus will be finished.

3: Won't the arrival of the A380 have terrorists licking their lips as well as Airbus bigwigs?

4: If a success, is it possible that it would hurt Boeing so much that they may even be reduced to sabotage?

I admit I am looking at the worst case scenarios and I'm not quite as cynical as I am making out, but they are all points that I have thought about following a very interesting 2hr documentary last Sunday.

I have been following the A380 since I first heard about it years ago, back when it was the AXXX and it was my first point that came to mind even back then.

I would love to fly on one but only after it had been inservice at least six months.

What do others think?

[Mr Red]

I'm not a n aviation or engineering nut but I can't help but take a big interest in this new bohoemeth that will be gracing our skies in the coming years, however, I do have my concerns.

1: We have seen that it can fly, but there are already orders for hundreds of these planes and yet the worlds fuel is supposed to be on the decline to the point that by the time the A380 is a regular sight at mainline airports, surely the price of fuel will have risen considerably enough to have a big impact on the cost of travel, which would contradict the point of the A380 objective.

2: If there is just one accident too early on that involves fatality or not, Airbus will be finished.

3: Won't the arrival of the A380 have terrorists licking their lips as well as Airbus bigwigs? 

4: If a success, is it possible that it would hurt Boeing so much that they may even be reduced to sabotage? 

I admit I am looking at the worst case scenarios and I'm not quite as cynical as I am making out, but they are all points that I have thought about following a very interesting 2hr documentary last Sunday.

I have been following the A380 since I first heard about it years ago, back when it was the AXXX and it was my first point that came to mind even back then.

I would love to fly on one but only after it had been inservice at least six months.

What do others think?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Scamp --

1. The price of fuel was a big driver in Boeing's choice to go with the 787 Dreamliner -- smaller, more efficient aircraft. If fuel prices continue to go up, Airbus is at a disadvantage there.

2. An accident with 700-800 people -- disaster for sure. However, Boeing's 747 faced the same questions when it was built. There have been some, but seem to be absorbed by the general populace.

3. Frankly, I think the world's terroists are finding eaier pickings somewhere other than airliners. It would be much easier for them to make a dramatic statement by dealing a devastating blow to water supplies, dams, you name it. Nothing is safe, and that is what they want us to think. But airlines now have probably the best security of anywhere (despite the problems we read about).

4. I can't for a minute believe that Boeing would resort to sabotage if the Airbus A380 is a success. Two reasons -- the two companies compete, but on different levels. Boeing is focusing on the 787 concept to provide airliners that can land at any airport, highly fuel efficient and carry 400 folks. There is plenty of market for both. Second, Boeing's business for commerical airliners last year was only about 40% of the company -- they were smart some years ago and acquired McDonnell Douglas and Rockwell to beef up their defense business, which is now generating more revenue than their commerical side. Boeing will do fine.

As for flying on one, I can't wait either -- just the experience should be worth it. I will try to hold out for one of the casino flights, though.

[Wolfie]

5. Not Thailand related.

Thread Closed