The 747 has always been know as “Jumbo.” Certain RJ’s and turboprops have names, but I don’t see it necessary for all airliners to have one. I like the numerical designation.

There are 3 times as many 747’s of all series than there are DC10’s and MD11’s. In both the Paris and Chicago accidents, the initial problems weren’t the fault of the aircraft. As mentioned, in the Paris crash, the rear door wasn’t closed properly, thus opening in mid flight. In the Chicago accident, the plane had just come off maintenance and the No.1 engine wasn’t mounted properly, thus severing from the wing on takeoff. Granted lack of mulitple reduncy further escalated each problem, but the problems themselves were not the fault of the respective aircraft. I flew on DC10s where they were near 30 years old, and I wouldn’t hesitate doing so. They just got a really bad rap in the 70’s when those accidents happened. I do prefer the L1011, however, as the No.2 engine looked much better. The L1011 also happens to be my favourite airliner of all time. Still like the DC10, though.

I think engine commonality plays a role sometimes. Then again, Singapore chose the Trent for their 777’s, where their entire fleet was P&W powered. I think politics plays a major role, as well. Look at the big stink that happened when BA initially chose GE to powere their 777’s. Didn’t subsequent orders have Trents as the engine choice? I know their 777 fleet has both engine types.

Hand, once again, props for you giving the Cali airports some love, you too Comet. LAX is a pretty good airport, on all fronts. They did lots of refurbishing and beautifying in recent years, and it has helped tremendously. I’ve always like SFO as well, and my cousin loves LGB. T5, as far as Sangster goes? I didn’t enjoy checking in on my outbound. Then again, I did fly AirJamaica and their check in queues were absolutely chaotic. I’ve never seen such utter disorganization at any airport. There were no queues, just blobs going towards the designated desks for a particular destination. Even the facilities were very lacking. But you liked it so hey, good on you. Other than the aforementioned Cali airports, I loved Changi. Everything was just amazing. The aircraft on example, the decor, the facilities, the duty-free shopping, the outdoor smoking area (even though I don’t smoke), etc. I also like Sydney for all the aforementioned (except the smoking area), but especially for the Tarmac tours and ‘the beach’ spotting area. I also like Schipol, Dulles, new ATH, and a few others. I just mentioned the ones I really like.

I love how nobody wishes to address the whole, “Airbus giving up on its products” issue. I believe the 763 is in the same class as the A332. The ranges and pax load are very similar. Again, that is debateable, because who does the 764 go head on with? Either way, it doesn’t matter. As I mentioned previously, both companies make great aircraft. Some are just better in particular markets, than others. As far as “what if’s” go, yeah, ‘what if?’ You can ‘what if?’ till you’re blue in the face. ‘What if’ Pan Am didn’t go under? ‘What if’ TWA hadn’t sold its Heathrow slots to AA back in 91? What if the RB211 didn’t ruin the L1011? ‘What if’ IAE had come through with the Superfan? Well, they didn’t, that’s the bottom line. As a result, the A340 was stuck with juiced up 737 engines till the 500 series Trents came out. My question is, why didn’t they just initially stick four 757 engines under there, a la the C-17 and IL-96M? At the time (still is), it was still a rather modern, fuel efficient engine, and they would have gotten better peformance on it.

DFW can hardly be considered small. I believe it is top 5 or 6 in the world, in terms of PAX size. I think Amsterdam is slightly more than agreeable, and I agree that they screwed up with Munich. That airport is only 10 years old, and is just plain ‘blah’ inside. Frankfurt is not bad, once all the updating is done. I recall the Greeks always complaining about flying TWA back in the day, transferring at JFK once they cleared customs, to their flight back to LAX. They were less than pleased with the walk involved. The worst airport I ever flew in or out of was the old Athens, Helllikon. That was just a $hithole. The new one is a significant upgrade.

“Lastly, there’s the plain (plane?) embarrassment factor. The unmitigated petulance and childishness of Airbus’s response is breathtaking. Is this a company run by adults? Good grief, they’ve been kicking Boeing’s butt. So Boeing finally won one. Good for them, they need a bit of good news.”

I was going to write something along these lines, definitely using the term, ‘childish’ somewhere in there. This is very disappointing, seeing as I approve of both Boeing and Airbus products. What should SIA do about their order for A340-500’s now? I think the answer to that is a no-brainer.

Airbus isn’t supporting the ex-SIA A340’s? How pathetic is that? Are they any different than any other 2nd hand a340’s? They’re just bitter that SIA gave up on them rather quickly in favor of 777’s.