Randy's Journal: Archives

20 January 2005

After the unveiling

What a week — I’m sure the folks who put on the big event in Toulouse are relieved that it has finally happened. It was quite a show from what I have seen, and I’m sure a good time was had by all. We’ll see if President Bush’s inaugural can match the festivities!

Admittedly, I’ve spent much of the week offering an alternative view of what the A380 stands for. And I think the world’s media have it about right. Boeing and Airbus have a legitimate difference of opinion on where the future of commercial aviation is going, and we’ve placed our bets accordingly.

Boeing believes the future will continue to follow the trend of more point-to-point, non-stop flights with more frequencies and more choices for passengers. Airbus believes in the superjumbo and a future dominated by more hub-to-hub traffic with more connecting flights for passengers.

The debate will continue, and the verdict will be decided in the years to come. The judges will be the airlines and all of us, the flying public.

So how do you want to fly?