Giant A380 falling short of big billing

The Chicago Tribune ^ | June 26, 2005 | David Greising

[ConservativeStatement]

PARIS -- The A380, the superjumbo jet from Airbus SAS, was billed as "The Queen of the Paris Air Show" by the public address announcer as it promenaded down the tarmac en route to its slow-moving flyover of the Le Bourget airfield.

But on the sales floor, the A380 was the prom queen that couldn't get a date.

[ProudVet77]

The A-380 is the Edsel of the air industry.

[KneelBeforeZod]

"they're going to lose money on every one they sell."

ah...the European GM!

[Deetes]

Wow who would have thunk it ... A big blimp plane...

[KneelBeforeZod]

" Airbus officials denied any problems, saying simply that the landing gear takes nearly a half-minute to retract--too much time to retract and open the gear during the plane's five-minute time in the air at the show."

haw haw yeah right. then again... if a plane that big can be up and back down on the ground in "five minute(s)" maybe we should buy some to air lift tanks into battle zones. after someone can come up with a portable runway that can hold a million+ lbs....

[Altair333]

A380 = Bin Laden bait.

[Paleo Conservative]

Customer unhappiness over the delays, even their threats of financial penalties, are merely an indication of the industry's need for the plane, Leahy said.

Does Leahy always use this much spin?

[Paleo Conservative]

If you want on or off my aerospace ping list, please contact me by Freep mail not by posting to this thread.

[DoughtyOne]

I watched a detailed report regarding the development of the A380. Some the manufacturing process was very impressive to me. I'm sure the manufacturing of the Boeing aircraft would be nearly as impressive.

That these aircraft fly at all, baffles me. LOL

BTW, it takes me longer than thirty seconds to get my landing gear down in the morning. Heh heh heh...

[Clemenza]

When I was at the Paris Air Show, Leahy shot his mouth off about how he expected that Airbus would again outsell Boeing this year. This occurred at the Qatar A350 press conference, about 10 minutes before Forgeard entered the room. Later that day, EADS issued a statement contradicting Leahy's claim.

I still admire his skills as a salesmen, however. He is also a fellow Ram. ;-)

[Lx]

The landing gear problem was on the 'making of' show hosted by John Travolta. The episode I saw had them repair the problem with a layer of Teflon on the part of the door that it rubbed on. On the static tests, it still hung up but eventually did deploy. The guy who I guess was in the position to accept or reject the plane (he was the testing manager I believe) didn't like the problem but didn't want to delay the plane any more than it already was.

Great documentary. Especially if you read between the lines.

[hattend]

Do you have to log in to read the link?

[hattend]

Disregard, it finally loaded.

[The Red Zone]

Mallya's main business is UB Group, one of the world's largest liquormakers. He plans to use the A380s to build the brand name of Kingfisher, an airline named after UB's popular beer.

If we can have this, why not a Budweiser Airlines?

[onedoug]

I came just a little short of breath to read, "Giant A380 falling...."

[ConservativeStatement]

If nothing else, Hooters Airlines is expanding -- so to speak.

[Odyssey-x]

Boeing is doing great with their new planes. They have much better per passenger fuel efficiences and ranges than the A380. The A380 is going to be a big flop.

[skinkinthegrass]

Hooters Airlines is expanding -- so to speak...Bustin' Out? :D

[sumocide]

The article tells me Airbus has so far sold 140 A380, months before first delivery. They need to sell about 300 A380 to break even on the project. Those who see Airbus fail must be suffering from wishful thinking.