If we get either, I would have thought it'll come down to the whole package - engineering support, whether there's a simulator thrown in, engineering and aircrew courses and so on. Oh, and obviously the price. If the A380 package is more competitive, we'll get the A380. If it's the other way, then we'll get the 747-8i. Then again, I'm not an accountant.
If the decision were to be based solely on looks then the 747-8i would win hands down. The A380, sadly, has created a new category; the VUA - Very Ugly Aircraft
Pucka, thanks for the answer.
STP