It is no secret that airliners in history have increased in size exponentially. But the airbus Airbus A380-800 is taking this to the next step. Comming in at a whopping 300 million dollars, it is one of the most expensive airliners being created today. It will hold 500 passengers, which is quite a bit more than the 747. It will also have many different ammenities, like a full service bar, and the video linked to this post states that there is a possibility of an on-board casino. (which I believe is a violation of many gaming commision boards around the country, but that is another blog). As of today, I dont believe the US has any open orders for the A380 at this time.
I believe this aircraft and the Boeing 787, are going to be starting a huge war between Airbus inustries and Boeing, In fact I believe that both companies have invested so much materials and man hours, and capital, that whichever aircraft reins supreme will cause the other company to go bankrupt.
I also feel that whichever company reins supreme will be the only manufacturing company left in existence, as the other would not be able to handle the competition.
Lastly the aircraft will help the aviation industry and individual airlines because more passengers will be able to fly to a location at a given time. This will dramatically lower operating costs, and fuel costs, as one plane will be way more efficient than two planes flying to the same final destination. Although the price tag is huge for this aircraft, I believe it will save the airline that buys it thousands in the long run, That is, if it doesnt break all the time.
From a competitive edge perspective, I think Airbus Industrie is way ahead in the game. Not only in terms of production/delivery of the A380 and the number of orders completed/placed, but also in terms of offering an aircraft with twice the passenger/cargo capacity, which it can be simultaneously used for both coach and business class without having to risk the profit margin. I don't think Boeing or Airbus will get bankrupt anytime soon. These two companies are too big to fail and will always be supported by public and private investors. I also think that A380 is an ideal aircraft for transporting cargo, while B787 is ideal for business/first class customers due to its limited seats capacity (increase profit margin).
ReplyDeleteWhile Airbus and Boeing are the two largest aircraft competitors these aircraft are not really competing. They are targeted towards two different ideas. The A380 is big and targets mass transport. However in the U.S. you have seen a reduction of flights and airlines using smaller aircraft as flights have not been full for years. This is where the 787 will come in. Its targeted specifically to fit the current market and the new method of point-to-point travel that is expected to grow in the future instead of the old method of hub and spoke. Also I believe the 787 can land at all current class B airports while the A380 is currently only able to land at a handful of airports in the whole U.S. and around the world. It's simply two heavy for taxiways and runways.
ReplyDeleteInteresting point - others have also discussed the possibility of one of the two companies going bankrupt. We will talk about this tonight.
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