By: Sonnenflieger - 15th July 2004 at 05:11
Well, as many have said it is not built to be beautiful, but in my opinion it has its own type of beauty. The beauty is in the engineering, design, and hard work that went into it.
The thing that impresses me with this whale, and indeed with most other modern Airbuses, is the technology on the inside. Did you know that whenever an Airbus lands, its toilets flush automatically to even out the pressure in the lavatory system? 😀
By: ACA345 - 14th July 2004 at 23:20
Well, as many have said it is not built to be beautiful, but in my opinion it has its own type of beauty. The beauty is in the engineering, design, and hard work that went into it. I also might say that the situation and way the scene is captured that makes a difference. When I see the 380, I can only imagine a head on photo of a powerful lift-off from one the world’s great airports for photography, like AMS, SYD, or CDG 🙂 Again I am only expressing my opinion based on pure esthetics.
By: wysiwyg - 14th July 2004 at 22:59
It’s generally considered a little sad when people have to tell there jokes more than once 😉
By: Bmused55 - 14th July 2004 at 22:53
It used to be so great to talk aviation with you Sandy but now nobody gets a chance to get a word in edgeways!
Anyway coming back to the point…I also think it is a true eyesore but as with all things Airbus we’ll have to see what happens with sales over the next 10 years. It might look better if it was longer. Can you give us a stretched version Matthew?
Again, you disapoint me with your continuing inability to spot a joke.
By: wysiwyg - 14th July 2004 at 22:33
Well, unfortunately there are plenty of brain dead, obsessed airbus fans who think the sun shines from the APU exhust of airbus, out their that will call it beautifull.
It used to be so great to talk aviation with you Sandy but now nobody gets a chance to get a word in edgeways!
Anyway coming back to the point…I also think it is a true eyesore but as with all things Airbus we’ll have to see what happens with sales over the next 10 years. It might look better if it was longer. Can you give us a stretched version Matthew?
By: Sonnenflieger - 14th July 2004 at 20:22
. . . especially certain Swedes I have seen, escaping from the tight grip of the Systembolaget! (extremely expensive Government alcohol shop with a total monopoly, for those who are unfamiliar with the name)
You read my mind! 😀
By: Jeanske_SN - 14th July 2004 at 20:20
The nose looks different from the original PC pictures, but this probably just looks this way because we see it here from the top. I don’t find it very elegant, but looks very unique and special (that’s exactly what it is). When I’m an adult, the first flight I’ll make on my world voyage will be on an A380. The model is not finished, It doesn’t have winglets yet, or have these been banned?
By: Papa Lima - 14th July 2004 at 20:13
. . . especially certain Swedes I have seen, escaping from the tight grip of the Systembolaget! (extremely expensive Government alcohol shop with a total monopoly, for those who are unfamiliar with the name)
By: Sonnenflieger - 14th July 2004 at 20:05
I don’t see it as unfortunate that airlines are in business to make money – how would new aircraft be developed and built if we all travelled free? Not to mention all the other expenses incurred by the commercial aviation infrastructure.
The thing that worries me is if the bean counters compromise safety for profit.
Pardon me for being a tiny bit unclear! That was the point I was trying to make – it is unfortunate that they only think about profits rather than safety.
If the unthinkable happens and an A380 has an accident, I don’t believe for a second that the aircraft can be evacuated within 90 seconds even though trials with trained professionals prove that it can be done. This applies to all larger aircraft types, not only the A380. To cram 405 people in an A330 may be profitable and legal according to certification, but it is plain stupidity as well considering the 405-seat A330 operators are charter airlines whose passengers might not travel as often as business travellers and thus aren’t as used to aircraft procedures and safety procedures. And they may be under the influence of alcohol as well, considering they’re on holiday…
By: Papa Lima - 14th July 2004 at 18:34
I don’t see it as unfortunate that airlines are in business to make money – how would new aircraft be developed and built if we all travelled free? Not to mention all the other expenses incurred by the commercial aviation infrastructure.
The thing that worries me is if the bean counters compromise safety for profit.
By: Sonnenflieger - 14th July 2004 at 18:28
Ugly and unattractive, but impressive nonetheless. Airplane looks are only important to aviation romantiscists like ourselves, the farepaying public doesn’t care as long as the price of their ticket is decent. As a people container it will probably make lots of money for its operators, and that is (unfortunately…) the only important thing for the airline industry and indeed any other industry since day 1.
By: skycruiser - 14th July 2004 at 17:03
I hope it flies better than it looks.
By: Papa Lima - 14th July 2004 at 16:56
Could one of you graphics experts out there spend a few hours adding engines and a livery or two on the first photo? I know there are artists’ impressions about, but here is the real thing now!
By: Ren Frew - 14th July 2004 at 16:50
Nope, it’s no beauty and I agree a decent livery could help it but I would guess that the airlines who are purchasing them aren’t interested in beauty (or lack of it!) they are interested in how many passengers they can pack into them.
It’s going to look great in Emirates and Korean liveries I’m thinking? Virgin too. But as you say, it ain’t designed to be eye candy. It’s got a job to do. Give it ten years and the ugly duck comments will turn sweet.
By: The Old Man - 14th July 2004 at 16:45
Nope, it’s no beauty and I agree a decent livery could help it but I would guess that the airlines who are purchasing them aren’t interested in beauty (or lack of it!) they are interested in how many passengers they can pack into them.
By: LBARULES - 14th July 2004 at 16:34
Well thats their opinion just like yours that the 757 is so good looking. (I agree BTW!).
It is going to be a fantastic sight when it goes into service, hope I dont have to wait to long after it goes into service to see one!
Maybe a Forum Meet in Tolouse for the 1st flight is in order? 😀
By: Bmused55 - 14th July 2004 at 15:43
“Sexy” is a commonly used descriptive word, especially in the media. It doesn’t always apply to sexual matters as we know them. Or at least those of us old enough to know them (ahem…) :p
Hmmm… Sandy, I’m not sure how long you can get away with not being accused of anti Airbus comments if you’re going to call Airbus fans brain dead and obsessed ? 😀 :p 😉
I wasn’t calling all bus fans braindead… just those that are so obsessed they call the A380 “sexy” or “beautifull” or “Best looking plane ever”
By: Pablo - 14th July 2004 at 15:33
Sounds like a few women I know, maybe I should call them A380’s from now on. Picture the scene in a bar with my mates… “Whaddya think of that lass there then fellas ? “Oh total A380 by the way !”
LOL. Suppose it could refer to ‘big boned’ women 🙂
By: Ren Frew - 14th July 2004 at 15:23
UGLY, looks like a bull dog licking P*ss of a thistle!
Sounds like a few women I know, maybe I should call them A380’s from now on. Picture the scene in a bar with my mates… “Whaddya think of that lass there then fellas ? “Oh total A380 by the way !”
By: Ren Frew - 14th July 2004 at 15:22
I’ve already seen the likes of those says it looks much “sexier” than the 757.
“Sexy” is a commonly used descriptive word, especially in the media. It doesn’t always apply to sexual matters as we know them. Or at least those of us old enough to know them (ahem…) :p
Hmmm… Sandy, I’m not sure how long you can get away with not being accused of anti Airbus comments if you’re going to call Airbus fans brain dead and obsessed ? 😀 :p 😉
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July 14, 2004 at 10:32 am