The world's largest passenger plane has proven to be the most expensive civilian airplane ever developed.
Airbus
claims its fuel efficiency, control system and sound-reduction
technology also make it the most advanced airliner ever built. The
first-class section sets standards in luxury, but the A380 began service
during a global recession. "They're going to see years of losses before
that [luxury] market fully materializes," says investment consultant
Paul Nisbet, president of JSA Research. Some carriers deferred airplane
deliveries, while Qantas ripped out its first-class A380 cabins for ones
with cheaper seats.
Boeing 787 Dreamliner
The
Dreamliner travels the same distance as the A380 at
the same speed but carries half the passengers. The airliner's $10
billion development suffered from more than two years of delays, costing
the company orders and credibility. Regardless, the versatility of
Boeing's airplane has interested a steady stream of buyers. The
Dreamliner's small size, quick flight-turnaround times and fuel economy
account for its sales advantage over the A380. With a maiden flight
under its belt in December 2009 and a crucial wing test passed in March,
Boeing could deliver its first 787 by the end of this year.
