Would you?

Some people have said it would be just too massive and immense to contemplate flying on it.

I cant wait personally, would you feel comfortable and safe on such a massive aircraft?

Absolutely! Can't wait to fly on the upper deck of this fantastic aircraft.

Jump is not as large as 707/DC8 to 747. A lot of my flights are long haul, so more walking around area fine by me, bring it on!! Plus swimming pool, shops, sauna, fitness centre and all the other on board amenities will be great (only joking, some people will take this serious)

Yes, I like such massive planes. And I expect a couple of technical highlights to make traveling on long haul flights easier and more convenient, e.g. net surfing.

Of course!!

Too bad that I really don´t see the A380 in the longhaul routes I use to fly (between Spain and Southamerica, mostly).

http://pixyland.org/peterpan/photo_closeups_pp2.htm

If I were Peter Pan I would fly not only on it but also inside of it.  

Cheers. Kilavoud.

Personally, I can't wait! The first airline that flies this big beauty to New Zealand will have me on it. Geeky, but I'm really excited about this aircraft. Forget borders, it'll be the biggest achievement, in this specific area, of humanity to date.

Regards
MH

No, I would not want to fly the A380. That plane is too big. It's probably even too big to fly to most cities in the USA.

COAB767

Well fortunately for most of us, the world doesn't begin and end in the USA.

Come visit New Zealand, take an A380!

Regards
MH

COAB767

No, I would not want to fly the A380. That plane is too big. It's probably even too big to fly to most cities in the USA.

Just curious COAB767 would you fly the A380 had it been built by say ooh BOEING?  

I look forward to flying this beast!      

Perhaps not at first, until the bugs worked out of it (re: DC-10). It will probably have a limited market, mainly transcontinental flights between Europe and Asia, US and Asia, some US - Europe like JFK-LHR, where limited flight slots capacity and overall demand is sufficient to support it. To me the biggest problems will be boarding and departing this a/c. Can you imanage the crowds and confusion for the gates at boarding, and the crowds for the baggage when get off?

Good question, EK! 

Personally, I can't wait! I'll hopefully be on one of the first flights...
and can't wait to be a part of the crowd welcoming it at Frankfurt!

Gee COAB767,

does that mean the USA is so backwards it is not only completely unable to build the world's biggest pax plane ever itself, but is also so poorly equipped it can not even handle this marvelous European achievement?  

Ok, I just couldn't resist.....

Do bears "you know what" in the woods? Of course I'd like to fly in it. I can't wait for it. Only two years now, before SIA puts it into service. My big regret is that it will be difficult, if not impossible, to get a jump seat on it.

That aside, it will be a terrific experience and I'm really looking forward to it.

Ltbewr:

I don't think an increase of about 150 people makes such a big change. For airports, which have sufficient infrastrucure to cope the 744 easily, it won't be a problem...

Don't you think the flight slots capacity in the USA-sky is low enough and the demand is high enough in the States, too? I do...

Of course, I find the A380 very tempting, but nothing beats flying (in) a small GA aircraft, feeling all those physical forces on you!

Sabenapilot

Gee COAB767,

does that mean the USA is so backwards it is not only completely unable to build the world's biggest pax plane ever itself, but is also so poorly equipped it can not even handle this marvelous European achievement?

That's another reason why you hear a lot of criticism about the A380-800 it's a "European Achievement" & not American Achievement!

Can't wait until this beast takes off in early 2005!     

No I would not, No Boeing, No going!

Sabenapilot

Perhaps it's because of comments like that and the implicit (but unintentional I'm sure) arrogance behind it, that Airbus is finding it so challenging securing an American market.

Regards
MH

"No I would not, No Boeing, No going!"

How sad.

No I would not, No Boeing, No going!

It must be increasingly difficult for you to plan your journeys then, with the ever growing number of Airbuses...

Who wouldn´t sit in 1st class on A388 and zip champagne or J Walker On the rocks (my favorite drink BTW) ?
Those who say "I wont fly it cuz its a €uropean a/c" is a moron, thats for sure!
Cheers

Michael//SE  
*Boeing had their go in the 60´s, but they didn´t took it....pitty, pitty*

London to Doha would be nice for the Bahrain F1 race..

I doubt that prices will change dramatically. You guys know how airlines are.
Actually deep inside me i wouldnt fly on first class on the a388. It just makes me feel 'one of the 100 apples', whereas a smaller jet (a330/777) makes me feel 'one of the 15'.

Personally, I would love to fly the new A380 once it enters service... of course I do hope it's in a premium cabin that I'm sitting (I think we all hope that). However, I'm 24 now and since my first commercial flight when I was 5 years old, I've yet to fly on any Airbus aircraft. Before anyone says anything, no I have not only flown twice in my life... I usually fly about twice a month and secondly, I've never chosen flights according to equipment. The majority of my flights just happen to be on DL metal, so I suppose that's a major reason. European or American built is the most rediculous argument I've ever heard. The A380 isn't a "European" acheivement... it's an acheivement of mankind. Can we all please just stop with this "my country is better than your country" stuff? It's really getting old and rather annoying. And for my fellow Americans who say "Boeing or bust...", are you telling me that if the Concorde was still in service and someone offered you the chance to fly her, you would say no because it wasn't built in America?? Yikes.

Yeah, me too! I would love to fly into the A380 soon.  

Not until it becomes a not so big target for terrorist psychos.

Today no. 10 years from now. Maybe. Right now this thing is a crowd killer.

Nope. I don't want to fly it. It's not a Boeing so I aint going.

I know i'm shallow, but I do not support airlines by flying on routes operated by airbus planes.

Who the heck doesn't want to fly on it. if you dont want to fly on this then you are unadventurous and narrow minded.

If it was introduced today, I would not want to fly it. I would give it a year or two to work out all the bugs and then jump on board. What is extremely weird about the A380 is the emergency evacuation system; there are way too many slides and they seem to all run into each other. Its seems way to complicated to assemble in an evacuation situation.

For sure I'd fly on it, all that space! Go Airbus .

Hopefully I'll be in TLS to see the first ever takeoff too!! Along with a couple of thousand other people to I guess  .

LHR340

I'd be straight in there it's gonna be great seeing this beast take to the sky's. And I can't beleive the amount "No Boeing No going" fools out there I say get a life. And with regards to pmanchuk who said if he offered these guys a ticket on concorde they would say no, I agree they would be first on board roaring to go.

Firstly, I apologise for the strange comments from my fellow State Siders. Comments like we won't fly until no terrorism, or it has been in service 50 years without a problem with the toilet flushing. Give me an f-in break. It is an aeroplane. It will be certified to ours, as well as European standards, or do you Boeing not going freaks believe the FAA will lower their standards for 380. This 380 discussion is going same way as last one, down the vacuum toilet. If you don't want to fly it, don't, but please give grown up reasons, instead of making all of us this side look stupid.

I for one will fly 380, 7E7 or any other certified passenger flying aircraft supplied by Airbus or Boeing. It is called clean and safe transportation, as my friend Gordo tells me when I get on board CO!

Amen to all of that, i'd fly a 707 if i was certified.

I can't wait. When I fly to FCO I'll be on that jet. I can't wait to see it parked at EWR or JFK and when I fly to FCO there should be a lot there. Why can't PHL serivce the jets. ?:-l

I heard somwhere that the upper windows, you cannot see very well, since they are misalgined. That is what it looks like in the pics anyway. But, heck yeah, I will fly on it. I am not going out of my way though to do so.

Who doesn't????????

Even if the "Spirit of Saint Louis" still flying, I will love be in there.

unfortunately, because of my domicile, I think it will be a little difficult to me to fly one of them, at least at very the beginning.

And trying to be sincere, I love "smaller" ones, like the A340. I recently flew from Los Angeles to Singapore and viceversa (almost 19 hrs. nonstop), and the a/c has just the perfect size.

By the way, can somebody tell me how many crew members (an average) will need an A380, for attending so many passengers?

of course! Its big,its new,and the press will kill for it!Since the amount of passengers depends on the evacuation tests,there is more room per passenger in the thing   Airbus and boeing both have their good points.

Right now this thing is a crowd killer.

than tell me about the 27 major airframe write-offs of the 747s? and 23 of them look like ones almost no-one survived.All planes will crash eventually,and many people dont see the 747 as a crowd killer.

Hell yes, I'd like to fly on it someday. Who wouldn't?

But, as an airline employee, who usualy works the gates, I wouldn't want to work it for anything in the world. What do you do with 600 people if it's cancelled? Can you imagine how much they could overbook such an aircraft? Do you really want to start boarding THAT early, as a gate agent?  

I'll fly it, but I'll let someone else take care if it at a gate.  

How mentally handicapped can people be who only buy products from own nation?
Sorry to say that in this forum but it's the truth!

No I would not. You know in spite of all the wonderful ideas Airbus has brought us in regard to passenger comfort with the 380, airlines will put as many seats in that aircraft as possible. They will leave no square inch unused. Look what they did with the Airbus A340-600. There is far more leg room in the 747 than on the Airbus.

First off I want to say I'm a proud American, but I also am an Airbus guy. However, there's no way I'm geting on an A380. At least until it proves itself to the safety world. To me it's the Titanic of the skies, far too many parallels. Say what you want. Blame my flag if it makes you feel big. It doesn't change the fact that that plane scares the hell out of me.

On topic: I doubt it'll be a whole lot different flying on the A380 than on other long haul jets, at least from the passengers point of view. I wouldn't mind flying with it once all bugs are resolved.

Off topic regardnig reply #39:
Stefandotde: Instead of commenting on the subject you prefer to continue your senseless anti-American bashing that you have started ever since you joined here. It seems you're less trying to contribute in a productive way to this forum than trying to piss off your fellow American members here.
Your signature is another great proof of this. Maybe you should rethink your strategy, otherwise you might consider not writing anything at all rather than the usual hateful stuff you seem to like so much. I'm just saying this because I and a lot of other people are tired of having to read that stuff in the middle of an otherwise ok going thread. I guess we'd rather prefer to not start a political discussion in a civil aviation thread.
Thank you for your understanding.


Long may it wave!

Regards,

 PA

Would I like to fly on the A380? Hell yes! Who wouldn't?

I'd fly it!!! Who wouldn't want to be on the largest commercial airplane. Been on a 747 and recently a 777. You only live once. And regardless who makes it, they are still humans and you only live once. If the plane crashes it crashes, its just your time. Don't think about what it, and just live your life to the fullest.

With that said, I would rather fly ANY widebody before I fly some of the CRJs for 2 hours plus. That is what the true crime is. No offence to Canadians but come on, give us a chance to get on the plane without hitting out head. Like a ping pong ball sometimes, hit one side then you compensate and you hit the other side and its a vicious cycle to try and stop.  

I'm all about Boeing succdeeding, but they have nothing on the table for that market, their working on the 7E7 which I also can't wait to see and fly on.

I would love to fly on it for the experience of flying an aircraft that size. I mean, a double Decker aircraft is a marvelous achievement. I remember when I flew on the 747-400 for the first time that I was just amazed at the size of it, and the A380 should not be an exception.

the only thing I would hate, echoing many on this forum, is the line at the gate. Could one imagine checking in for this flight, then waiting at the gate with 400 people, then going through customs once you get there. I'd think it would add at least half an hour to current wait times, though I'm not for certain.

but hell, I can't wait to see a plane that big take off!

I think when the A380 was called a crowd killer above, the reasoning was terrorism, not crashes. We saw the damage 19 hijackers managed to inflict with two 757's and two 767's. With four A380's, there's 2400 people right there. I'm not saying that is the right thinking, just explaining what was meant.

I am excited about the production of this massive aircraft and look forward to seeing it. I am still not sure if I can get up the guts to fly on it. I have flown 747's, but that was almost too much...600 people in an aluminum tube...

Airbus has great ideas for equipping the aircraft with all of this extra stuff...gift shops, lounges, shopping, etc. I think we all know that airlines are not going to go for this, however...they are too interested in getting as many butts in the seats as is inhumanely possible.

Just to show the A vs B bashers...I am a Boeing fan all the way, however I do fly on Airbus equipment. Even if Boeing was producing it, I still would have the same concerns. For those of you who think every American is like the next, you should join Stefandote and his group of sheltered Europeans because you are all a little disconnected.

Some people here obviously don't get it. With the exception of the wingspan, the A-380 is not going to be so much bigger than a 747. If I'm not mistaken, Japanese 747-Ds carry more pax.
As for legroom: For the 1,0088,392nd time: The cabin configuration is up to the carriers and Emirates, Qatar and Virgin have already announced they will provide some nice amenities and/or install less seats than Airbus' original configuration suggests.

If you don't want to fly on a crowd killer, don't fly the 747-100. Maybe there will be a third center fuel tank that spontaneously combusts in mid-air. That had to be said.
BTW: I for one would nevertheless fly on a 741.

[Edited 2004-04-04 19:34:48]

I would definitely fly the A380. I also plan to go see the maiden, will be my first trip to Europe 

- JrMafia90, The A380 will not be able to serve at PHL because the taxiways are no where wide enough to handle the beast just as many airports taxiways can't. I can imagine that when one of the PHL expansion projects are completed around 2020 then they will take into consideration making enough room for the her.

- EK413, It's nice to see some one sticking up for Airbus. The one about would they fly the A380 if it were a Boeing made aircraft, that's a killer  . Honestly, I don't see why someone can't like BOTH equally. I love both companies and one of my teacher's from last year told me that her brother works for Boeing and he wouldn't even fly them  .

The 380 to me is a good acheicvment in aviation. IT is gonna do wonders for some airlines and it is going to look great in the skies and painted on some of my favourite livery's. BUT......

There is too much hype around it now, i think i would rather wait until it has proved itself safety wise then give it a go! I love boeing and i think im going to love airbuses once i fly on my first next thursday.

2 can exist together!

Chris

Any airplane that bumps around less in turbulence has my vote. Newton's first law applies.

Yes, fellow A.nutters, Starlionblue gets (a little) nervous in turbulence. And yes, he knows that it's perfectly safe.


That said, I normally go for the cheapest fare regardless of equipment. I will pay extra for direct flights and PTV on long-haul, but otherwise I just go with price. Wish I had the money not to care, but I don't so...

@ All:

Interesting to see how nervous some of us aviation lovers here are when it comes to the most advanced acheivement of mankind in the commercial aviation industry, while they would board any old B727 or DC10 just to "get back that old feeling". I am sure that sooner or later even those will have a ride on the A380 and will let us know about "the worst experience I ever had" here on airliners.net soon thereafter  

@ PanAmerican:

I don't think an "ok going thread" contains such narrow minded statements as those seen above. Stefandotde did not damn all Americans, he just asked how narrow minded one has to be to live after principles such as those stated above. Even if he did not really contribute to the discussion, how do you? If you accuse him of senseless American-bashing (heck, he did not even say anything directly about america or americans in his post - so how does he bash american's?) then you are doing the exact opposite thing - which is not more or less senseless. There is a difference between giving respect and playing up to someone (which is what you seem to be doing).

And, what is your problem about his signature? He merely quotes a Rummie-statement... if you think it's embarassing, shouldn't that be the problem of the guy who said these exact words?

ciao
Daniel

While I will definitly fly it to try it out and experience it, I don't think I'd want to fly it regularly, since I fly economy mostly.

In premium sections, aircraft doesn't matter as much.

For a student like me, the real question would be how crowded would coach class be? The only pictures you see are first or business with the cool amenities, but how will they (the airlines) layout claustrophobia class?

Every passenger on a 388 will proportionally have more space than on a 744. However, this extra volume could be used up to give First and Biz more space.

Definately! I hope that I have opporitunity. I have flown the 747 and recently a 777 and it is hard to imagine a ship even larger that that. I bet the 1st test flight will bw a sight to behold!
t2f

Dazeflight:
I will not start a discussion on this as it's not thread-related.
All I was trying to do was to express my concern with the majority of these kind of posts. That statement was clearly aimed at NIKV69 and Flyingbronco05 and was once again an anti-US aggression like so often before.
Just wanted to speak generally about how I and many others feel about these posts.
Now let's end this discussion. No more replies to this please.

Have a great evening.

  PA

Even if was built by Boeing, I would still not want to fly it. It's just to big IMO. I've been to New Zealand as well on a 747. That plane is big enough thank you.

have a good one!!!!!!!!!

I am so going to fly on it!!! I love the Boeing 747 upstairs, so I am sure I will love the Airbus A380 as well.

Kimberly.

I mean, yeah, it might be neat to fly on the upper deck, but once you're in the air, you cant really tell you are any higher or lower then the people below you except for the fact that you are a little higher above the wings. on the down side, it will take like a day to load and unload people on the plane, which is a pain in the butt. That is why I always try to fly the smallest plane possible across the ocean/across the US. I'm gonna try to avoid the A380 just like I try to avoid the 747

I'm not looking forward to it that much. It already takes long enough to deplane a 777 or 744...I can only imagine how long it will take an A380 to deplane. It's nothing against time, it's about my patience (or lack thereof)...give me a plane where I can get off nice and quick and not have to lean under the lights and airvents.

Jeff

Only after it has been in service for a year or two.
Remember the Comet!

C'mon now... aviation enthusiasm transcends brand names, brand loyalty, or whatever you care to call it. Any hunk of metal (or metal/composite  ) that can lift off the ground is worth a flight. Flying is too much fun to be petty about. Boeing, Airbus, Bombardier, Embraer, Piper, Cessna, Mooney, whatever... BRING IT ON!

I'd like to fly it twice for sheer curiosity - once upstairs, once downstairs. If I like it, then I'd fly it again. If not, then at least I would have the experience.

I would like to fly inside an A380 so long as I get to fly in the business or first class cabin. Otherwise, maybe not. Boarding and leaving the plane is going to be hell.

I must say that I am rather embarrassed for a majority of my American friends here on the forum. Seriously, how the hell can you say stuff like "if it aint Boeing, I aint going" or that you don't trust the safety of such an aircraft. It's not like it was built in Africa or something, it was built by a group of first world nations throughout Europe. Nothing wrong with that at all. Period. All you have to do is open your eyes a little wider to see how great of a company Airbus really is.

I myself would love to fly on the A380, its a first of a kind. I think the long waits of boarding/deplaning would be well worth a trip on a double deck plane. Hopefully we can get our act together and fix up our airports to accommodate such an aircraft.


Chris

JetsGo. True words. After all, the plane will be certified by the FAA to the same standards as any Boeing. So where exactly is the difference in safety?


Deplaning: Most A380 gates will be configured with 2 tubes, so deplaning should in theory be as fast as with a 744. In any case, most pax on long-haul widebodies have checked luggage. Even with an extra 20 minutes deplaning, I bet that they'll still get to baggage claim before the bags. So effectively, there is no diff.

Aside from the childish I hate airbus reason
I get very uncomfortable flying with a lot of people

could you just imagine what a nightmare it will be waiting in the terminal with so many other people, im referring primarily to American Airports


I also see no real added bonus in flying the A380
it sure isn't gonna get me there any faster
and a coach seat is a coach whether your on a boeing or an airboos

The A380 is just another plane. A bit bigger true, but just like a B777, B747, A340 it's just a big tube with wings.

Where are they days of the DC3's, the Super Connies and the likes. I would definitely want to fly in these birds.

Modern planes, I don't mind which one as long as it brings me from A to B.

No, just too big. The B747 is big enough for me. 555 pax. is just too many on one small plane that your going to be stuck in for a good 10-14 hrs. As EddieDude said, boarding and leaving the plane is going to be hell. Then you have baggage claim, you could get nearly 1,000 suitcases at the baggage claim, assuming people take the standard 2 bag max. Then the customs lines, oh my. The B747 is bad enough with customs waits and baggage claim waits, but an A380, no way. The A380 would have to arrive well before, and well after any other flight, in order to make way at customs and baggage claim, even then with just that single flight of, say, 500 pax. customs and baggage claim will still be overloaded!

Also, say your in First or Business Class, they always let you on first, then what, sit on the plane for 2 hrs. while everyone in coach boards, talk about fun! Say your in the back of the plane, so you get on first of all the people in coach, and you get off last! That's a good 4 hrs. waiting there.

A-wiz, depends how many connecting passengers that don´t need to go throu customs and how many of these has
their luggage sent directly to their next destination?
I guess that the ones on top will have their own exit, so the economy passengers can get off in time, remember that turn around time are important.
The plane needs to be cleaned and put in use to make more money for the airline.

Im a little nervous about it- i want to fly it but i have some weird thoughts about a WHOLE load of upperdeck people. Something about the mass humanity involved. Not to mention the mass luggage involved as well. Ive never had the chance to fly upper deck 747- but hoping to this summer in June on VS. I think once ive done that ill have a better feeling about it.

I cant wait to see one of these beasts take off/taxi. Itll be gorgeous and awe-inspiring to see!

Flyingbronco: I have no idea whether I have to laugh or cry with your comments.

Of course I will fly the A380, the aviation enthusiast in me wants to try out as much airplanes as possible for the logbook. And whether it is Fokker or Boeing or Airbus or DeHavilland or whatever: I don't care.

If nationalistic reasons play such a big role in the life of some people, I'm not very sure whether those people actually have a life or not. Anyway, some people are in urgent need of one (as well those on the American side who only want to fly their own products, as the ones on the European side who seem to find it funny that the EU produced a bigger pax aircraft than the US).

A lot of EU people have a job because they produce parts for Boeing, and also the opposite is true (a lot of US people earn their money for producing Airbus parts). Another reason to show how childish this whole A versus B discussion is.

Frederic

I tend to favor Boeing airplanes, but, when it comes down to it I'd fly the A-380. After all, if it lives up to it's promis then the tickets will be cheaper because the airlines will be able to pass the savings along to the consumer. I also figure that the designers of the plane have worked out the issues of how to deal with such a large airplane in getting people on and off and other technical hurdles that are related to such a large aircraft.

Of curse, I have to admith that of the 24 types of aircraft I've flown in none have been Airbus.

Cheers!

Pete

Of course I would fly on it. As I would fly on ANY certified plane that there is.
I love airplanes. I want to fly on them, I want to fly in a one seater, two seater,
555 seater. I want to fly on airplanes, helicopters, ultralights, gliders, blimps, balloons, et cetera.

Because once I am flying on any of these flying machines looking the earth from above, the nation where it was built/developed does not make any difference.

I notice that the vast majority of the people that would not fly on a 380 are Americans. Here is my tip for you guys:

Once you are inside a non-american machine, close your eyes for a second, breath deep, think you are about to fly, then open your eyes, look through the windows, look around, look to the people's face inside the plane, think about how beneficial that machine is being to many people, even though it is not made in USA, think about how great life is, fasten your seat belt and 'unfasten' your mind. Enjoy your flight.

Cheers to all

Also, say your in First or Business Class, they always let you on first, then what, sit on the plane for 2 hrs. while everyone in coach boards, talk about fun! Say your in the back of the plane, so you get on first of all the people in coach, and you get off last! That's a good 4 hrs. waiting there.

threre are airlines that have used the 747SR that have seated 555 passengers.It didnt take two hours to load/unload passengers.It takes about 10 minutes max for any plane to disembark all passengers.If theres an aircraft in the world that takes longer to embark/disembark than to watch the return of the king,im sure no airline would buy it.If 2 hours is required to get everyone off,im sure it would not be possible in any way to get everyone out in 90 seconds in an emergency.

well fear not all. LHR is installing two deck jetways so Loading will not be so much of an issue. Come to LHR yeaaah!!!!

Scorpio,

Here in the US, all I need is CO, AA and WN. All of which at any time I can fly Boeing or Embraer aircraft, if I need to go international which would most likely be South America I would use VARIG. It's good that US carriers still use Boeing and not Airbus like carriers in the UK and such just because Airbus sells their planes cheap.

[Edited 2004-04-05 00:52:09]

I am more of a Boeing fan, but yeah, I would still want to fly one of these things. I always want to fly new types of aircraft that I have never been on, regardless of manufacturer. Well, I might be a little nervous if it was Tupelov or Illyushin and one of the older ones!  

Sure I want to fly on the A380! As a commercial aircraft enthusiast, I want to fly every type I can. I'll reserve judgment on the plane, however, until I have experienced it personally. When the megabus goes into service, I'm certain I'll be looking at the routes to see how I can hitch a ride to a desired destination.

Id like to fly on it so I could give a fair opinion on what I think of it.

Yes for interest sake... and unless it was exceptional in terms of the experience... No from then on. The whole check-in, boarding, disembarking, bag-collecting, customs queuing with 549 others is almost too horrible to contemplate.

I'm for the smaller faster style of air travel.

What a surprise that all the Americans say no I don't want to fly on it.
You Americans are so sad.
There are a few acceptions but the rest ...
What Babies.
Oh dear did you Boeing 747 get knocked of its perch.
I say again.
Big babies.

3lions,

I would wait till the A380 proves itself before you jump to this conclusion that it will replace the 747. It's a long way from it's test flight.

I can not wait to fly on and I am a big 747 fan. It the first jet liner to be bigger than my favorite jet. Like it or not it going to be built so instead of dislike the jet why in try it out. I can not wait to fly on a 7e7 also.

Posts like this also make me slightly embarrassed to be an American.

I can't wait to fly on it... I'll even try to be on the first flight.

N

Yeah, of course...I'm looking forward to it!

I assume that my first A380 flight will be with Qantas. I'd like to try the upper deck because the seat arrangement will be like that of a smaller plane, and hopefully more pleasant on the long flight. The only downside may be the slanted windows...

Of course, I find the A380 very tempting, but nothing beats flying (in) a small GA aircraft, feeling all those physical forces on you!

Uh, I don't think you can quite get transpacific range out of a Cessna 172!  

-Q

I wouldn't have any reservations about flying it from an engineering standpoint as it's of very conventional design and layout. The only thing different about it is it's size but there are already planes that size flying.
I'll bet it's going to have great handling qualities, a real easy girl to fly.
Hope to fly first class on this one someday.

Depends on how long it takes to load and unload both of those levels. One of my biggest peeves about flying is waiting at the back of the plane (where I usually end up sitting) for everyone to de-board. But if they can efficiently move people around I would love to fly the A380!

In the USA we love everything big, except aeroplanes made in Europe bigger than our own. It obviously scares some people, after all the Europeans have only been making planes as long as we have! Europe invented the Jet Engine, rocket, steam engine etc etc. Airbus has not had an aircraft grounded for safety reasons, so what will be the difference on the 380. People were probably scared when the 747 came out, but they are ok with it now. I think when some of my State Siders reply, keep it short, not Boeing not going and waiting for teething troubles solved or possible acts of terrorism, or other childish responces etc, just say I AM SCARED OF IT.

Loading and unloading will be same as other aircraft. Airports will have double jetways, shouldn't be too bad. Some of the comments by the ground personnel make me laugh, they don't wish to handle the plane due to its size. Sorry, its your job and what the passengers pay your salary to do, nothing more nothing less.

I cannot believe how the 380 stirs up so much dribble and cross Atlantic stupidity. It is an aeroplane, it will see the demise of the 744, we cannot change this, Boeing did not develop a replacement, so Airbus will have this market. Boeing will bounce back with 7E7. We need to deal with the facts, no matter how painful.

I would much rather fly on a 7E7 then an A380 anyday.

I cannot believe how the 380 stirs up so much dribble and cross Atlantic stupidity. It is an aeroplane, it will see the demise of the 744, we cannot change this, Boeing did not develop a replacement, so Airbus will have this market. Boeing will bounce back with 7E7. We need to deal with the facts, no matter how painful.

well as my 6th period teacher(who does not know just how close he is to being fired) said,life is about change. The 747 has been flying since the early 70's.Well the 747 has done its job for more than 30 years,but now a new aircraft is going to take over the crown.Of course no one likes change (id love to live as an under-age middle school student living by washington DC going to Europe every year for my whole life),but its something that happens. Before we know it,there will be a new aircraft that will challenge the A380,possibly from a new company we havent even heard of yet.

Plus its a great step forward for mankind(the concorde retirement was a big leap back...) and this is good. I think this battle between boeing and airbus with aircraft production is the new space race. Who knows,maybe the a380 will drive boeing out of business,and new aircraft will start to appear.

All you boeing lovers,dont bash me.Im not saying airbus is great yada yada.its just a guess about the future.Plus If i fly i dont care which manufacter made the aircraft im flying on as long as the FAA says its ok to fly,i care more about the airline and how they treat me(cattle,or an actual human with needs?)

"However, this extra volume could be used up to give First and Biz more space."

Really do they need more space, why are airlines wanting to kill the coach passenger.

Franz

Isnt killing the coach consumer the right of all airlines? 

Boeing vs Airbus Industrie, well, the old discussion.

Boeing introduced the 707 and everybody was at awe in the 1950s. The introduction of the 747 revolutionized international air travel and the airline industry -- and we all were very happy to be a passenger in that great airplane.

Now Airbus will launch its "Megabus." Some users at a.net and people elsewhere are expressing their reservations about it -- probably out of envy as I see it. Let´s assume for a moment that Boeing would be in the process to construct such a huge aircraft supplementing the 747-400 fleets to accommodate the demand for high PAX capacity airliners on selected long-distance routes. I bet many people here in our forum would argue differently.

For my part, I look forward to flying the A380 as I was excited to sit in a 747-100 many many years ago.

Just my two cents,

Michael

I'm a Boeing fan but yeah I want to try one out. I don't like big crowds though either so after I try it once I'll probably avoid it. Never know though depends what first class is like. I'm looking forward to the 7E7 too.

Maybe all the American Airbus-bashers should ask for the non-US manufactured parts to be removed from their precious Boeings. Only problem is, the planes wouldn't get very far.

As for US Airlines "buying Boeing", don't they also buy Airbus, Embraer, Canadair, SAAB and Fokker? So much for buying American...

Nicely commented, Starlionblue !!!

Too bad for the gung-ho Boeing lovers´ notion that we are living in a truly globalised economy which is open for competition and technological advancements made outside the US.

From the outside it will be huge but in hindsight the exponential growth from a 747 to A380 is not as great as the 707 to 747. Now considering the internal dimensions on the main passenger deck of the A380 will not be that much different from the 747, the average person excluding us enthusiasts sitting in economy from SYD to LAX as they do now is not going to know the difference much, the seating is still 3-4-3 and the length of the plane number in seating rows is still pretty much the same all it has is an upper deck extended all the way to the back of the plane.

.... and yes I cannot wait to fly in it, in the colours of the mighty red preferably the first which will be registered VH-OQA come November 2006.

YES and NO!!
YES because it will be a huge beauty, a great experience and I cannot wait to see her flying.
NO because I'm not very comfortable in a big plane like B747. I prefer A340 or B777.
But I know I won't have the choice to fly a A380 because I do not book a ticket choosing the kind of airplane.
First of july, I'll fly from LHR to LAX, it will be a 744!

Would you buy an American mobile phone?

I'd rather go where the technology leadership is: Sweden, Finland, Japan and Germany...

While the statement above is my opinion, I would not feel unsafe using a Motorola, nor would I think that Motorola should not be bought by Europeans.

After all, Motorola has a long history of excellence, just like Nokia for example.

But Nokia has a stick instead of a yoke, and I like the yoke. Also the button layout (seating config) on the Nokia is nicer, and it has PTV.



Get over it, they're both great manufacturers 

[Edited 2004-04-05 12:04:03]

Icarus: Does it really make such a big difference? I mean the 777-300, the A340-600 and the 747-400 are pretty similar in terms of passenger numbers.

SailorOrion

But the Airbus is flown by computers (=evil) while the Boeing is flown by people (= the American way). 

No, the 380 is just a bit of over kill and in today's world a nice big fat target and a crowd killer. No fear, just reality.

I beg to differ.

Overkill: Over 100 orders say that it is wanted by the airlines.

Crowd killer: A 744D crashed in Japan with 520 dead. Even a full 380 crashing would only just top that (6.5% more). Also, if a commuter plane with 20 pax crashes, killing all aboard, how is this better than if 500 people die?

In today's world: The 70s had more hijackings than "today".


And for the n'th time, all the same things were said about the 747 before it was launched. Lo and behold, it is seen as a safe, reliable, efficient airliner, despite several crashes.

[Edited 2004-04-05 15:13:34]

Pooh Sammyhostie, what a discussion.

From a query of feelings resp. taste to so much philosophical answers. But on the other hand, it is interesting to see, it is like real life. Hard discussions, pro and contra, Boeing fans against Airbus fans.  

And if you have an objective look onto the opinions, the truth is most in the middle. It is simply fantastic.  

No, I do not want to fly on it.

JUST WAIT UNTIL THR 7E7 takes off...AIRBUS' days are numbered!

Aerobalance, why not?

This is A.net. We need your opinions so that we can rag on them  

7E72004, I'm sure if A.net had been around when the A330/340 were launched, the A nuts would have said the same thing about the 767 and 777.

Strangely though, Boeing is still around. Just as Airbus will be after the 7E7 is launched. It takes more than one model to bring down a competitor.

[Edited 2004-04-05 15:43:22]

I certainly dont want to be on their first test flight lol but I will def fly it when it enters service.

I beg to differ too.

Overkill: Over 100 orders say that it is wanted by the airlines.

Talk to me when there are 300-400 orders.

Crowd killer: A 744D crashed in Japan with 520 dead. Even a full 380 crashing would only just top that (6.5% more). Also, if a commuter plane with 20 pax crashes, killing all aboard, how is this better than if 500 people die?

It's not about the aircraft itself being a safety issue, it's about some radical extremist and a shoulder fired missle.

In today's world: The 70s had more hijackings than "today".

Highjacking isn't the problem.

And for the n'th time, all the same things were said about the 747 before it was launched. Lo and behold, it is seen as a safe, reliable, efficient airliner, despite several crashes.

Did I ever say it was unsafe? No. Just impractical for the times.

Well the 7E7 is mostly built by other countries and the wings are produced by Japan, so I don't understand the fans of American products , who say they would rather fly with the 7E7 instead of the A380. Boeing holds a 35% production share and the wings(one of the most kept secrets by a manufacturer) are built by Japan companies. So you could say it is a Japan product

BoingGoingGone. I can see your point, and it does have merit.

But surely the 744 is just as big a target for a shoulder fired missile? Ok maybe not quite as big but these things were built to down helicopters and stuff so the 744 is big enough to hit. And there are more 744s around.

The A380 is overkill-i sure would not want to be on one of those planes with 555 people and an emergency. THe A380 is going to end up like the L-1011.

Sure, I'd like to. Probably never will, but given the chance...

I love the posts here about "it's too big!" Shame that A.net wasn't around in the 60's when the queen of the skies was being developed. I'll bet we'd all be kvetching about how the 747 was "too big!!!" And in the 40's about how the Startocruiser was "too big!!!"

I would of course fly the A380 if it was on the most practical/cheapest route. However, I like the ideas about higher pressure and humidity on the 7E7, and the larger windows. Now that's improvement.

But surely the 744 is just as big a target for a shoulder fired missile? Ok maybe not quite as big but these things were built to down helicopters and stuff so the 744 is big enough to hit. And there are more 744s around.

No argument there, however, if you want to make a splash... Do you shoot down and older 747 or the new star of the big plane sky the A-380.

It's all about impact with these jokers.

Since I'm American I am naturally a Pro-Boeing 100%, but that doesn't mean I'm going to shun Airbus. I would love to fly the A380. To me it's a laugh that Boeing deserves to get for not jumping on the bandwagon and realizing they have some serious problems and competition. I'm not saying the A380 is going to be a soar-away success because I highly doubt it, but I still support anyone who makes a great product, reguardless of where it comes from.

[Edited 2004-04-05 16:47:47]

Starlionblue..... Ok, you've pressured me into answering your query...lol

I'll start on the positive side of things...

Reasons why I would fly on an A380.
1. It's big and it's cool (not temp. wise)
2. Room to walk around and get lost with the cute female F/A's  

Reasons why I would not fly on an A380.
1. Comparatively long time to board and off-load (as opposed to a 767 which
I usually try to book flights on.)
2. Give EADS a couple of years to get the bugs out of it before I fly on one - I'd do the same for the 7E7.

All trivial reasons.

Aerobalance. Not so trivial. I would say that those reasons are pretty "reasonable" compared to a lot of other things on this board.


BoingGoingGone. Again, you make a compelling argument. While I will not refute it, I think that we should not give up progress just because of "these jokers". Curse them.

Come on guys!!
Look : Boeing 743 SEA SEX and SUN from CRL are configurated at 580 pax...
so...anything else?

NIKV69,

Here in the US, all I need is CO, AA and WN. All of which at any time I can fly Boeing or Embraer aircraft

AA flies a gigantic fleet of MD-80s, which are, whether you like it or not, NOT Boeings. And, last time I checked, Embraer was not Boeing either. So thereby, after only one post, you've already proven you're full of doo-doo, by squarely contradicting yourself.

It's good that US carriers still use Boeing and not Airbus like carriers in the UK and such just because Airbus sells their planes cheap.

Yes, keep up the good work! Your credibility is soaring to new heights again with that brilliant and well thought-out statement.

American's need to stop downing the A380. I think Airbus is kinda over their heads too but I'm not going to sit there and call their product trash because Boeing didn't have the balls to produce it. Just sit back and watch and if the A380 fails, then my fellow American's can start all the negatative treads that they want about The Downfall of the Airbus A380. Until then, what's the point of bashing the A380. I'd rather fly that then a crappy-ass MD-80 or 737.

Starlionblue

Just a technical correction. The 747 that crashed in Japan in 1985 wasn't a 747-400D. Boeing wasn't even producing the 747-400 until 1989. The JAL plane in question was a 747SR-100.

ill have my own opinions about the A380 when it actually flies and there are actual problems found with it.

SonicKidatBWI. You are quite right. I should have known that. Thx for correcting me.

Also, I agree with you. If the 380 fails miserably, feel free to gloat  

How sad that sad ugly beast called patriotism seems to get in the way of our love of planes.

As Charlie Chaplin said "the greatest insanity that the world has ever suffered."

Back to planes (which is why we're here!)

If its the fastest (Concorde) - I wish I had flown on it
If its the biggest now (B744) - I'm glad I've flown on it
If its the longest hauler (A345) - I'm gonna fly on it
If Its new and innovative (7e7) - I'm gonna fly on it
If its going to be the biggest (A380) - I'm gonna fly on it

heck if its got two wings and at least one engine then count me in - I'm even looking forward to a trip an aging 737-200 in a few weeks    

I think we can say that logic goes out of the window on the 380. It is a passenger plane, like many before it. It will be certified by all relevant parties like many before it. It will be certified to latest standards. It will be open to being shot down, blown up, hijacked like many before it. It will cause congestion at US airports like 744 does now.

Some of the replies just blow me away. I think smoking illegal substances before answering on this site should be banned. Comparing it to the comet, a major target for terrorism, unsafe for first two years and all the other garbage is just unbelievable, and all from my side of the world. Are we that screwed up in USA????

List of planes I can´t wait to fly :
-A380
-7E7
-Embraer 170/5/190/5

Come on news are always good !! The only ones who benefits are us, the costumers! But it´s really a pity that the big airbus will probably not come to Brazil soon...
Well as soon as I have the oportunity, I´ll fly these 3 aircraft!!!
And as someone in this thread said before:
"the world doesn't begin and end in the USA" SO PLEASE PEOPLE WE HAVE TO BE FLEXIBLE AND EXPERIENCE NEW THINGS! - no matter where they come from!

All the best
TR763  

I can't wait to fly on a the A380 and I am a proud American!
Don't pay any attention to these stupid kids here that hate everything non-American. That is not an accurate gauge of your average American.

I certainly look forward to the A380 instead of the 7E7.
There isn't anything inspiring about that twin. At least the A380 is in a class by it's self.
It gives you an idea as to which society is moving forward and which one is sliding backwards.







I look forward to drinking a Vodka Collins on one of these when flying to Europe.  

I just hope all A380 carriers keep these lounges in there A380s.

I think it would definitely be a unique experience. I mean, there is no "real" double decker A/C in commercial service. I wonder what the takeoffs and landings would be like. Would they be mild? So I guess yeah, I would want to fly on the A380.

Hey superfly, if you are reffering to me:
I just forgot to mention something: I prefer boeing, but the attitude of SOME americans in this thread, make me sick ! They just see their closed world (called USA) and f*** the rest...
I didn´t write that tryng to say that I hate americans...I have lots of american friends and I usaully go to the USA. The only thing that I don´t like is that people who doesn´t see that there´s a world outside the USA.
I was not generalizing!

Sorry I did´t read correctly....

TR763:
Oh no I wasn't singling you out at all. I agree with what you are saying. The ignorant Americans you are talking about are certainly an embarrassment. Then again, our current leader is an embarrassment too.  

Superfly
Yes, I´m really sorry, I´m feeling embarassed to what I wrote!
I just read fast and didn´t understand the meaning of what you wrote !!
I´m sorry!!

TR763:
That's OK.
Next time I am in Brazil, just buy me a Mojito and a set me up with some of those hot Brazilian babes. 





Is Varig ordering the A380?
If so, I would love to see Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66 perform in flight.    

Varig, will not order the A380!! With the economical difficulties of the airline, I think they´ll keep the MD-11´s and those few 777s for a long time!

Hehe ! The hot babes I can present to you, but mojitos... well you´ll prefer to eat a "Feijoada" and drink a "caipirinha"! Trust me !!!

All the best
TR763

It's good that US carriers still use Boeing and not Airbus like carriers in the UK and such just because Airbus sells their planes cheap.


Hahahaha.

Have you noticed that its equally split amongs the top 6 US carriers?

Actually, not so. 2 of the top 6 US carriers don't have Airbus aircraft. The other 4 do.

The numbers 1 and 2 US carriers have a fleet of Airbii if you hadn't noticed, the #2 a sizeable one, one of the largest in the world. The #4 will have the largest fleet of Airbus narrowbodies in the world.

Your inane posts entertain me tho. Keep up the good work!!!

N

Hey, I wouldn't mind WN on the 380 and I hope they never change their boarding procedure.   Not ! 

I look forward to flying the 380 when they iron out the kinks - including pax management. I will fly it during low season though as oneworld 747's are more than large enough for me.

Will I prefer the 747 after flying the 380? Probably as I think that the 747 upper deck is one of the most unique and enjoyable pax environments on any plane and one reason is that is not really that large and is very personal. Downstairs is downstairs - no big deal.

Overall I think the 380 will be a pretty good engineering effort and that it will fly for a long time. The real test will be the profitability performance it delivers to airlines year after year and that will take some time to determine.

In terms of Yanks hating things made overseas - check out our trade balance. Everything from BMWs, MB's, Audis & Jags to Toyotas, Mazdas and Kias. Throw in Rolex watches, Asian electronics and German beer and you have one of the best markets for "overseas" goods in the world. Compare the number of "foreign" cars you see on US streets to US cars you see in Germany (wonder what kind of car Stefandotde
drives . . .) and Yank bashing is a bit off the mark. I think you will be hard pressed to find a market that is as open and international at all price points, both in major metropolitan areas and in the rural areas.

I am a little leery of being in that big a crowd. A full 747 is uncomfortable but except for the on/off loading, it's just another tube. I've not been thrilled with the mockups compared to the 7E7 which was very different and interesting.

As far as any whining about it being not made in USA - so what. For the matter the individual parts are, from quotes I've seen in AWST, more than 50 percent from US companies. Now they possibly were actually made in Mexico but still some will go into US economy.

After reading so many comments from the US folks. Now I understand why the Big Two and a Half are still in the auto market today, despite years behind in design and quality compare to German and Japanese autos.

I am sure most of you would prefer a Cadillac over Lexus or BMW. Great choice though....LOL

Ken777:I'll have to make roofor you on my Respected Users List!You sumed up what I've been tryng to express millions of times in the non-aviation threads.The dip$h!t Americans you see bashing Airbus tend to be Republicans and Bush supporters, thus very STUPID and ignorant.They hate Airbus, they hate Europe yet will buy a Mercedes or BMW to impress there neigbours and co-workers.I try to buy as many 'Made in the USA' products as I can and I support labor unions.However, I will give credit whare credit is due.Airbus is kicking our a$$ and they are moving forward with new inovative ideas.I wish Boeing would do the same.Who gives a rat's a$$ about a 7E7?Big frikkin' deal!Boeing should resurrect the 2707 project and stop luring soccer moms to the silly focus groups about blenders, sunglasses and dildos*.* Yes Boeing is trying to find new markets outside of aviation to stay afloat.It's pretty sad.  

Dionysus - I bought a BMW 2002 the first year it came out and loved the way it drove. Unfortunately the cost of maintenance was beyond belief and the cooling system was the worst bit of engineering I've seen in a car - equal to a Yugo. It couldn't handle summer LA traffic with the air conditioning off and even the Yugo could probably handle that. I now own a Caddie (a program car $20,000+ under list) and a Mazda. Maintenance savings on the Caddie over a BMW or MB is enough for a weekend trip to London for my wife and me - not a difficult choice. Germans make some exceptional cars, but their purchase price is far higher in the US than in Germany. Combined with maintenance costs they have been priced out of the mainstream market.

Superfly - while I like the 380 concept I think the 7E7 is going to be a successful plane. All you have to do is look at the price of oil today and try to guess where it is going. For high pax loads airlines are going to need cheap fares, even with $50 oil and the 7E7 is going to look very attractive. I think that it opening a new direction in aircraft design and there will be tremendous pressure on both B & A to provide "E" performance in all of their offerings.

Put me down as someone who would love to fly on the A380, it shouldn't be that much different that a 747, except of course it will be bigger, newer and with modern amenities and interior. Airbus already has a lot of experience with large aircraft so I believe any problems will be worked out eventually. I think the A380 will be successful, especially since there is no direct competitor, but obviously time will tell on that.

I'm really looking forward to seeing them at MIA and hopefully flying in them! From what I've seen in pictures of the various parts being assembled in Toulouse it's going to be something to see. Bring 'em on!

cheers, Ralph

I'd fly it after a while to make sure it doesn't crash!!  

I don't know why anyone here wouldn't want to fly on it. It's not that much bigger than a 744 and with the additional facilities for loading/unloading planned into it, it shouldn't take too much longer to do either. It's presumptuous at this point to think it'll be a more tempting terrorist target simply because it holds more people, although I'll concede that may be a possibility. It's not one I'd worry about, though, until a specific threat was made. Any airliner, anywhere in the world might be so targeted for various reasons. I certainly wouldn't avoid the A380 unless there was such a threat made. The only reason for me to avoid it is if I knew I'd be flying on it with some of the nastier posters here from BOTH sides of Atlantic. Otherwise, what's not to like: scads of room, undoubtedly a very smooth ride and state of the art facilities. Though I might prefer the more 'intimate' (because it's smaller) 7E7, I'd still give my eyeteeth (well, almost) for a ride on the biggest airliner ever built!  

I guess I'll chime in here. I think that the A380 program is an engineering marvel and a symbol of human ingenuity. Will I fly on it? Sure. I think that the aircraft is going to have some problems initially when trying to plane/de-plane passengers and their luggage in an efficient and orderly manner. They had similar problems with the 747 back in the early 70's, but they eventually got those issues hammered out.

I am an American with strong family military roots. I love my country and it's people (for the most part). However, I'm also somewhat of a Europhile. My German and British routes are undeniable. My family owns European cars, and has owned many of them throughout the years (ranging from BMW, VW, Audi, and Volvo). I don't exactly know where I'm going with this, but I felt compelled to say that the current economy of Europe depends upon the US and much as the economy of the US depends upon Europe. The A380 is going to be a way to support both of our economies by offering cheap (per mile seat costs), safe, and environmentally friendly air travel for the many people in this world, as well as providing jobs for the airlines, jobs at Airbus, as well as it will support the materials and resources industries to build the aircraft. It all has a relative effect. If Airbus didn't exist, Boeing and McDonnell Douglas would be duking it out right now and pretty much have a monopoly on the worlds larger civil aviation markets. Boeing has set a tentative price on the 7E7 at $125 million to make it economically attractive to the airlines over it's competitors. Again, it's all relative.

So instead of my fellow countrymen bashing the A380, look at it from the standpoint of how it's going to help support the global economy. It's not a bad a thing, really! On the flip side, I hope that Boeing gets their butts in gear and gets some new and attractive models out there that actually sell (7E7 family is a good start as there is a huge market for it).

I don't know. Am I naive?

To all:

I suppose I would like to fly in an A380 at some point if in only because I am an enthusiast like everyone else here. However, whether or not I would do it again depends entirely on the experience.

Real simple...

regards,

F4N

I would feel it's best to wait to see if it was safe.

DeltaMD11:

To add to your post, the A380 will have very close to 50% American content.

"I think that the aircraft is going to have some problems initially when trying to plane/de-plane passengers and their luggage in an efficient and orderly manner."

A lot of airports will have two level boarding "bridges" so, in reality, think of boarding two 747's main deck seperately. I really do not think that boarding/disembarking will be an issue.

Once inside, whether upstairs or downstairs, it will not be any different than a 747 main deck, or 777 for that matter. The feeling will be very similar.

re:does that mean the USA is so backwards it is not only completely unable to build the world's biggest pax plane ever itself, but is also so poorly equipped it can not even handle this marvelous European achievement?

I couldn't agree more with you. It seems that Boeing is such a sore loser that it cannot fathom the mere existence of another airplane company. Their accusations of corporate espionage do not win them any support from me.

from:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/main.jhtml?xml=/money/2003/09/13/cnboing13.xml&menuId=242&sSheet=/money/2003/09/13/ixfrontcity.html
Boeing staff disciplined over spying allegations
By Simon English in New York (Filed: 13/09/2003)


Boeing is taking disciplinary action against staff involved in an alleged corporate espionage plot concerning rivals Lockheed Martin.

The planes-to-rockets conglomerate said yesterday that unspecified "internal administrative action" was underway, though it was understood that no one had been fired.

In July, Lockheed Martin filed a civil suit against Boeing accusing it of stealing company documents during bidding for a government contract.

The US Air Force has banned Boeing from bidding for satellite contracts after ruling that it had obtained thousands of sensitive papers.

A Boeing spokesman said: "A few employees did not conduct themselves in the way that they should have."

The company would not reveal who was punished, saying, "we consider those matters to be private".

Boeing hopes this move will persuade the Air Force to drop its ban. It has denied the allegations from Lockheed and insists it will continue to "defend ourselves against all the charges", blaming former staff for any wrongdoing.

A conspiracy trial against two former Boeing managers accused of plotting to extract trade secrets from Lockheed opens on October 14.

The case will be closely watched as concern grows in Congress about the ethics of the defense industry.

Lockheed itself is being sued over allegations that it bribed South Korean officials with money and sex to win a government contract. It denies the allegations.

Boeing is the world's largest aerospace company and the top maker of commercial jets.

It is under pressure from US lawmakers who see it as too close to the Pentagon when it comes to securing defense deals. The army wants to lease 100 jets from Boeing, but studies by congressional watchdogs claim this could cost $5.7 billion more than if they bought the planes outright.

Senator John McCain, a Republican, said last week: "I have never seen the security and fiduciary responsibilities of the federal government quite so nakedly subordinated to the interests of one defense manufacturer."

7E72004
Could you be a bigger idiot.
So closed minded.
You give all the other Americans a bad name.

Ken777:
No doubt, the 7E7 will be successful. I wasn't knocking it's potiential success. HOwever when it makes it's first flight, it will not ignight the same fanfare and excitment as the Concorde, 747 and I am sure there will be lots of fanfare when the A380 makes it's first flight.
Only airline CEOs and number crunchers will be excited about the 7E7.


Schweizair:
Senator John McCain, a Republican, said last week: "I have never seen the security and fiduciary responsibilities of the federal government quite so nakedly subordinated to the interests of one defense manufacturer."

WOW!  
A Republican that speaks the truth?!?!
That is a rare breed. I just hope John McCain stays off an aircraft for his re-election this year. I would hate to see him go out like Paul Wellstone, another great Senator that spoke the truth and critic of the Bush regime.

Superfly, the A380 and 7E7 have similar missions; to lower costs in their respective market niches. The A380 may impress more with size but what's so unexciting about the 7E7. If it can live up to expectations, that's pretty exciting! No, it doesn't stir the blood like the 2707 but that airplane never would've made it into service even if Congress hadn't cancelled it. The steep rise in fuel prices in the wake of the October '73 Mideast War would've sealed it's fate, anyway. Almost nobody was a bigger booster of the 2707 than me at the time but that wasn't reality. Concorde only survived because it was farther along and had two governments involved, making it more difficult for either to back out. I thought the Sonic Cruiser had a better chance but apparently, it wasn't good enough. Forget for now, the glamorous dreams of unbridled aeronautical forward momentum because they've been pushed aside by hard economic realities. Embrace what we have and don't pine too much for what might have been, you'll sleep better. I do like your thinking, though.  

AvObserver:
Well aware of all your points mentioned. My fault is that I want "unbridled aeronautical forward momentum". I guess I am just stuck in the 70s.  
I am all in favor of government subsidies for commercial aviation.
Then again, I am a socialist. 

Yep, aviation technology improvement is now entirely in the hands of the penny counter legion...

This is why we should celebrate anything out of the ordinary that comes out the lines, like the A380. We ain't for sure seeing more of the post war delirious yet extraordinary designs dictated only by the will to just "build it and see what happens". (   )

Now, those were the years of aviation! I wish I was alive then. So much excitement, ideas extravaganza... But when they had tried everything, they just stuck to the "cost-effective", the "safe", "efficient" and "cheap to build".

That pretty much killed the engineering frenzy, unfortunately. So I for one am glad to see something different, and somewhat challenging in the design, come to life. It ain't much different from the rest of the bunch, just grossly mutated. Oh it ain't a nuclear powered bomber, or a Mach 7 rocket plane...

But those years are over, so I'll go with superfly here. I'll take it!  

Regards.

Are you guys talking technology or politics? You can compare cars for example, not airplanes. If you compare Airbus with Boeing, then you have to talk about who has better aerodynamics or quality, not looks or size! I can't believe that people say that they would not want to fly on A380 because it is European. This is so silly. Where do most of the Americans come from? I guess people forget their roots fast.
Of course you would want to fly on A380. You would be the first one to do it. You don't want to admit it because.........the politics again.
And don't forget that companies come and go. Just because a company has a great name that doesn't mean that can stay forever on the top. If the company doesn't adapt to the current market, it can go down fast. The name won't help.
I would want to fly on A380 and 7E7.

Aboslutely true Delyan.

And I'm willing to bet that, deep down, most people on A.nut would, like me, accept whatever equipment was on the flight they had booked. Price is paramount people.

Warren747sp:
"Remember the Comet!!"
That statement was very very low!! How TF dare you??
Lots of people died on the flights with the early Comet cuz of the metalfertige
around the windows.....
Shame on U!!!!!!!!!  

Michael//SE

Doe sanyone know when it will actually come into service?

From AW&ST:

First flight: March 2005
Start commercial service: 2006
Orders to date: 129


"I can't believe that people say that they would not want to fly on A380 because it is European. This is so silly. Where do most of the Americans come from? I guess people forget their roots fast."

By the way, for all those people who say they will not fly the A380 because it is not American...

The A380 will be more "American" than the 7E7. Approx. 50% of the A380 will be American while up to 70% of the 7E7 may be foreign. (Source:AW&ST)

[Edited 2004-04-16 21:34:06]

I have a hard time wanting to put myself on a plane with 600 people. Somebody before mentioned the terrorism factor. Don't you think a plane that big is a major target? Granted, the 747-400 is a big plane too, as is the 777, but the A380 is new and it's going to be this monument and milestone in commercial aviation. The whole world will be watching the latest feat...doesn't that sound dangerous to anybody else?

Second thought is this...just the idea of a plane with 600 people on it...terrorism factor aside, that's just too much for me. Honestly (again I'm biased) I'd prefer flying a 75 across the Atlantic if I had the choice.

-Jeff

I'm looking forward to flying on an A380 - even though it'll be just as uncomfortable as the planes flying today, but nonetheless...

And, people, please: forget the "terrorism factor"... the terrorists on 9/11 didn't use a B777 or a B747 - both much more symbols of America than the B767 or B757, and both capable of carrying more pax than the planes that were used - so why should the A380 suddenly be a higher risk?

Nonetheless - I'm looking forward to flying on an A380, and I hope to get on one as early as possible.

And for those who think that flying with 554 other persons on board - keep in mind that you'll be on a deck that will, at most, hold as many pax as the main deck of a B747, and might hold considerably less - to the eyes, it's not going to seem as if you're on board with that many persons.

Regards,
Frank

Yeah I'll fly it!!! Can't wait.

It will be odd sitting toward the back and being able to think "There's actually someone sitting above/below me!". I suddenly realized that would probably be rather special. And the upper vs. lower deck threads on a.net!! Which one do you think you will prefer?

I think the A380 is something we should all be looking forward, a HUGE technological achievement that everyone who call themselves aviation enthusiasts should look forward to in a big way!! And imagine sitting on the upper deck in the wing area. The wing will be so far away!! Just imagining and looking forward!

Cheers

Col,

welcome to my respected users list. I like your style.

And count me in on the A380. Real, true aviation entusiasts dont care what plane it is....All they care about is that they are flying in something!!!

Am I right or am I right?

I really don't understand the terrorist arguments being made here, surely it's the operator that will be the reason for a flight being targeted, not the manufacturer.

Very good point TFJamie

A whole new picture category on a.net should be created - "upper-deck A380 photo's"!

Awsome!

For those who say they will not fly the A380 please if you win a tkt E-mail me, I'll send instructions where you can send them.  

Easy. The 747 is a carrier I've always been dying to fly because of it's upper-deck, even though I most likely would be in coach. The 747 upper deck images are really cool. But the 747 has only a partial upper deck. The A380 has a full one, and is bigger. The thought of having two fuselages on top of each other is just so cool I almost can't think of anything cooler (in my opinion, of course)  

BTW, will the A380 have a fly-by-wire system?

Thrust,

By definition the A380-800 will use fly-by-wire systems because of the somewhat unusual aerodynamics of the plane (the horizontal tail is used to keep the nose down during flight).

Anyway, would I fly the A388? In a New York minute, especially if I can fly in the Upper Class Suite on a VS A388 between SFO and LHR!  

No: The plane is too big. Can you imagine how long it will take to get on and off the plane if your in the back ? Also I'd be afraid that it wouldn't be nothing but a terrorists Target... Just my two cents.

FlyIGuy

Wouldn't mind riding a 380 since it would probably mean a nice trip overseas somewhere. Think it would be much more fun to actually watch one land with all of that weight and metal and burning rubber.

As for Boeing v. Airbus, was a Boeing stockholder and have always liked Boeing, but I remember the first time sitting in an A320 after riding 737's and thinking....Wow! Bigger seats, more overhead space, nice little winglets...great plane. I'm all for new technology if it makes life better, no matter who builds it. Competition is good for everybody.

I guess I'll reply to this question since 172 of you already have. While I'm a huge fan of Boeing, I would have to fly the A380 at least once in my life. Too bad we'll never see one in KOA.

Would the average person in this forum (normal income) want to pay more for the A380 service?

THE BARS AND EATING PLACES:
Never going to happen. Hate to break it to ya but the airline isn't ALL about comfort they are about cramming the most people in a brick with wings and with bars and other "accommodations" they will not be about to do such things.

When the 747 first came out there were bars and places to sit. Back in the day when only the best of the best fly this was ok but now it will never happen. Now if Boeing made something that could commit with the A380 there would be no issues b/c of the ways they make their a/c and have had no "major" issues with the 777 and hopefully the 7e7 "dreamliner" :P

Could, if the airline wants to pay through the nose for the actual stuff and is willing to up the prices of tickets to make a profit.

AIRLINES TO BUY THE A/C
Not many at first. I have had really no confidence in Airbus and have yet to be impressed by their a/c. This A380 would really have to show it's stuff to attract more buyers. Just a quick ? who paies to accommodate this a/c at airports? (airline or airport?) b/c if it is the airline that's yet another cost to add to a/c. And the a/c is just out MASSIVE that any flyer would be more willing to fly a 777 than an A380, well at least us business and coach pax.

WOULD I FLY THE A/C?
No, not b/c it's an airbus (or maybe a little) but b/c I just don't think this a/c will be successful enough to have an airline that I would fly (UA, LH, BA) and that serves my airport to get a chance to fly it. Again with the massiveness of it, too big and too.........Big.

Sorry if I'm confusing or airbus basher~

UA777222

Ua777222, at least two of the points you wrote need a short comment...

Who pays: in the end, whoever pays at first, it'll be the passenger - just like with every other plane around. If the airports need to invest, they'll put an extra charge on the landing fees (or whatever other fees airlines have to pay), and airlines pass that right on to the consumer... so, whatever someone might write: in the end, the passenger will pay.

Concerning your comment that no airline you'd fly will buy them, you mention LH: LH has ordered A380s, and - according to your profile you're in SFO - I'd say that your airport is quite likely to get LH A380s quite early on.

Regards,
Frank

I know one thing for sure! My vacation in summer 2006 is gonna depend on where the 380's, at that point of time operating, fly to! I personally can't wait wait to see that bird in the air respectively sit (of course on the upperdeck) in that a/c!

Cheers from Austria