I can't help but wonder if the recent spate of Boeing sales are being driven by the Airbus jet that lost it's tail fin over the Caribbean. The French can bribe local airline executives and their supervising politicians -- but no bribe is big enough if the product is going to crash. A tank that breaks down is not a big problem since most of them outside the US/UK/Australia are ever going to be used. A passenger jet liner that breaks down in air is going to publicly kill the passengers and the owning airline's reputation.
Don't forget that the American Airlines plane that broke up after takeoff from JFK after 9-11 was an Airbus. Even though the accident report cited overly aggressive control inputs by the F/O there was, and is, a suspicion that the composite rudder failed due to design error.
You know, all passenger aircraft manufacturers have produced products that have had serious flaws and many have even crashed. Boeing certainly has had its share of screw-ups.
Despite hating the French government and the arrogance of most of its citizens, I happen to LOVE Airbus aircraft. To be honest, I feel more comfortable in them than in Boeings. The interiors of all that I've ridden in were much nicer.
Sure, Airbus pays bribes to get sales - common business practice in Europe (and is expected in Asia) - but this doesn't detract from the fact the quality and regulation-obsessed Europeans have produced a mighty-fine aircraft.
I for one happen to believe Boeing has gotten sloppy when its American rivals went the way of the dodo. Competition is good for all of us. It is in everyone's best interest to have two major rivals competing to make the better product.