This thread is really humerous.
Boeing didn't build an SST in the 70's because they knew the aircraft would have to be subsidized, just like the Concord was.
Status is expensive.
Stretching the 747 is just "meeting the market". Good business. Let AirBus spend the development money to "dazzel the masses" with, what appears to be at this point, the White Elephant, but I'm sure more EU tax subsidies can fix it.
The A-380 is just another 60's technology aircraft.
If it burns kerosene, its a 60's technology aircraft.
Put all the wires and computers in it you want, but it "ain't no different" than any other widebody, just bigger.
Maybe they should market the A-380 as a "kit aircraft" and save the overtaxed EU members money and grief.
More seats and bigger engines doesn't make it any different than any other current aircraft on the market.
Todays papers are, again, spouting the A-350 as having Singapore Airlines placing orders. Wonder how many AirBus had to give away to get that headline.
AirBus is so political that its laughable. Anytime politics run businesses you end up having Alitalia's and Aeroflots.
Boeing has been "doing this" a long time gentlemen. They seem the only ones who aren't hysterical.
Boeing just plugs along, selling airplanes and making profits, without burdening the hard working citizens.