A380 Development Watch
For most 2006 is a long way off
In terms of business development, product development, and the engineering that goes with it, it is just around the corner.
This is going to be an interesting program to watch as the aircraft is put together. No easy task for sure. I can imagine that tensions are high in Tolouse while teams of people are running around try to save grams of weight.
While both Airbus and Boeing build unique products
(this is not meant to bash either) the A380 is a enormous undertaking that could become a disaster. Remember the STARSHIP and this was much smaller.
The airlines that have placed orders have done so based on the aircrafts performance. When the STARSHIP and MD-11 didn't pass the test based on range and weight, the owners had to rearrange their plans and their planes in order to meet their business requirements.
If Airbus misses the mark with this one, the dream of the biggest could ruin many airlines growth plans for the future.
Stay tuned it is going to get more interesting as the time line closes.
As for me I would hedge my bets, but wish the BUS people all the best