Apples and Pears
 

Interesting discussion. Reality: comparing apples and pears

B738 v A320? try getting a cargo container in a B738....

Reason A320 P2F is basically scrapped? No available airframes as the demand is so high. B737 lacks volume.

A300P2F: DHL has bought airframes which are @ 30000FC/HR which are presently undergoing conversion. The aircraft fits profile for OPS by DHL/FEDEX and is cheaper to run as B744.

Reason some aircraft get converted more than others is simple, good payload/volume and purchase price. Availibilty depends on numbers built and operating cost.

I've been working on the maintenance side for 20 odd years, even worked for a guy who started 2 airlines, the first with a all boeing fleet, the second with all airbus. My preference? An aircraft with plenty of work, I don't care what it says on the data plate. One is as bad as the other, but in the end they all fly after enough money has been spend on maintenance(more money, less MEL's)

That's precisely my point. Whether it's an Airbus, Boeing or Cessna it doesn't matter. It's about the privilege of being able to go fly. I've never said or even implied that I hate flying.

PS: Have I been married to you before, because my ex also heard things that I've never said before! Always arguing that's what I meant.

Point taken, I would also enjoy the flying no matter what it was in...however going back to the car analogy, I would still rather be stuck in a traffic jam in a Ferrari rather than in a Kia. I would also enjoy driving a Kia because I enjoy driving....but I know what I would enjoy driving more.

Comparing an Airbus to a cheap, mass produced, "throw away" vehicle is really insulting...



To the Kia!

It's always amusing to read the Boeing vs. Airbus arguments. Frankly the arguments are tired and worn out, and really, who cares? Both Boeing and Airbus build fine aircraft - I've flown both. Personally, I like having the side-stick and table, probably because I look at the cockpit as my office. At the end of the day I would fly a bathtub with wings if it could bring this profession back to where it was 50 years ago.

Heck, give me a bathtub with two ironing boards stuck on - as long as it has a fack-off engine!!

I would have thought that CX ordering the A350-1000 was good news for the wider aviation community as it will force Boeing to upgrade the 777 - a programme airlines would like Boeing to announce tomorrow. It took the A320 neo to spur Boeing into producing an upgraded 737.

The A380 was two years late, the B787 three years late. Any bets on the A350? Agreed it doesn't make fleet planning easy.

More Manufacturers
 

I can only imagine the development and technology that we're missing out on because of the contraction ( and demise) of the worlds aircraft manufacturers. Could you envision what the neat new ideas and technology that would be available today if we still had some of the manufacturers around and producing aircraft today. I mean the likes of Lockheed Commercial, McDonnell Douglas, Vickers, Hawker Siddley, Tupolev, Ilyushin, Yakovlev. Yeah, I know some were not as good as others but I believe competition breeds innovation. The rebirth of some Russian and Japanese makers in the 100 seat market is a breath of fresh air. Having just 2 main manufacturers doesn't quite make the necessary innovation so crucial but at least there are 2 not one. I am aware of the ground breaking technologies that each company brings, I am just wishing for more of a push and more large players joining the mix. :eek:8

reminds me back to the days when 777 arrived, a young guy got his command in just few years, less than 7 as i remember? :ok:

I think CP 777 got his Command in 18 months but he is brilliant!!!:D

18 months was normal back then..

It was never 18 months, it was typically about 3 years in 1990. He was just under that.

We're talking before that and it was 18 months for a few.:)

Wow. Time for a new hobby, boys? Perhaps some fresh *cough* air? :D