Posted on 04/25/2005 2:21:49 PM PDT by wk4bush2004
Boeing's strategy is much better---the 787 is the way to go.
Airbus has already sunk $12 billion and counting into the A380. If we can prevent them from getting the launch aid, then we can keep the A350 to a standstill and let the 787 gain momentum.
Well, if it is anything like the test cruise of their nuclear carrier, I won't be surprised to hear the engines fell off shortly after takeoff. And we won't even mention the tail.
Wouldn't you just love to wait for your luggage from a full 555 seat flight?
I'd give Airbus credit that it's an impressive aircraft but I think that their predictions about the market are totally wrong.
And don't forget the computer that is always "smarter" than the pilot.
Oh it'll fly alright. And it will be very successful on a select few long range routes where landing slots are at a premium and current flights are almost always full. Many Asia-U.S. routes come into play.
The A380 may be most successful, however, as a freighter.
At some airports, it takes over 30 minutes just getting luggage from a Boeing 737. I couldn't even imagine an A380.
Which is why FedEx and UPS ordered the A380F.
That's a big aircraft.
It will fly for sure...whether it will catch on and be usable at the world's airports is another thing. As I read it, they are trying to capure the major long haul market and working specifically with those airports.
We shall see.
Only for low density and palletized freight. The second main deck floor has weight limits. There will be no front cargo door for oversized cargo. It may be useful for Fedex and UPS, but it won't be useful for high value oversized loads.
Just because you can build it ....does not mean that you should.
Which is why no one has build a 200 story office tower in New York. Back in the early '80s befor the oil bust, one of the banks in Houston wanted to build a 130 story building in downtown Houston that would be the world's tallest building. The FAA objected, because it would have obstructed the flight path into Hobby Airport (HOU). We're very fortunate that building was not built to that height. First it would have created an even worse glut of office space in Houston just at the time when the economy in Houston was terrible. Second, it would have been a prime target for terrorists on 9-11.
this plane doesn't scare anyone? sheesh, i know i'm ignorant of physics but this thing just scares the poop out of me. i like my planes medium, not too big, not too small. and when it crashes the death toll is going to be horrific. not to mention all that luggage wait time you guys brought up. that's reason enough not to get on this thing.
That's what it's all about. Those 11 words. They have 12 Billion into this project, just so they can say those 11 words. That's over a Billion Dollars a word.
This is a typical government operation. Somebody gets a grandiose idea, and it just takes on a life of it's own. Until the money tap is shut off, the idea cannot die.
To pay off over 300 planes, Airbus will have to make $40,000,000 profit of each unit. List price is estimated at $230,000,000, so they are projecting to recover 17.5% on each and every aircraft to cover development costs. Actually more, since the much of the sunk cost was spent long ago, and will have to be repaid with interest.
High value oversized loads - Already Airbus is beaten even by Antonov. I have seen some big Antonov freighters fly into MSP. Those big birds have even carried railway locomotives to Australia.
I bet the breakeven point is somewhere above 500 planes considering all the discounting they've been doing and all the cost overruns. That's double the original 250 figure Airbus originally quoted. The 747 Advanced will put pressure on Airbus' ability to charge premium prices for their A380.
Why, that's not very nice of those boys at Boeing, is it?
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