Originally Posted by West Coast
I'd like to see who funded improvements at Euro airports, especially those who don't have a huge stake in the success of the 380.
Manchester's improvements to accomodate it have been funded through the normal commercial channels, in the same way as terminal extensions etc.
There seems to be a view here that airports are upgrading for the 380 just for the sake of it - surely the reality is that they are doing it because of the commercial benefit. If your upgrade means that an airline using you upgrade the aircraft size to a 380, then you will benefit financially from the extra passengers. As with anyother ilne of business you will get the funding from whoever is prepared to give it, and if that is public funding then so what? As long is it done in an accountable way (ie not in secret) then the public will be able to vote on the public officials' efforts in the usual way.
It's a fact of life that in a democracy politicians say things that they think will make their constituents re-elect them, whether that is the US, UK or even Iran! Doesn't always mean that they will do what they say once the ballot boxes are closed.