Mine is just a silly variation to the “2 legs good, 4 legs bad” saying. In this case 4 engines good, 2 engines bad.

I don’t really have a problem with two-engine planes for either short or long haul, though for ultra-long range 18 hours+ flights over the Pacific I’d rather fly a 4-engine plane if given the choice. But anyway, I couldn’t think of any other name at the time…

Has anyone done a diagram or illustration of an A380 next to a 747? Probably the best way to judge how big it is…

There is one other point to consider: as range offered by airliners increase but the speed remains the same (which in effect means ever longer non-stop flights), just how long would people like to be on an aircraft without touching down and getting off the plane?

The A345 is now clocking 18.5 hour flights. If the 772LR lives up to its range expectations you could be looking at 20 hour-stretch flights. How much longer would anyone want to be on board an aircraft?

Airlines operating the A345 have had to increase pitch and create ‘rest areas’ even in economy to help passengers cope with such long flight. This naturally translates as fewer seats on the aircraft, so from the profits point of view these ultra long range aircraft might not bring that much more revenue.

That’s my two cents anyway.

I’ve just noticed in the specs given in the Independent article that the maximum speed is 670mph.

Isn’t that a bit high? That must be Mach 0.86 at least…

Look at airbus.com! That is all part of what I call the “PR-strategy of relentless bragging” by EADS and kinfolk.

Well you can’t blame them for publicising it can you. Both Airbus and Boeing are keen on all sorts of ceremonies marking milestones in the development of their new products.

And I think this particular new product deserves all the attention and fanfare it can be thrown at. I for one very much look forward to the day when the prototype rolls out in a few months’ time.

I recently booked my flights to Palma and Iberia offered the cheapest tickets around. We have to change in Barcelona, but with savings of £30 per person and a much earlier departure time I don’t mind spending 90 mins. in Barcelona.

We depart at 6:30 am so I don’t think we’ll be that hungry at the time. Still, given the catering options Iberia now ‘offers’ I’ll ensure we have some water and munchies with us. Oh well, at least we can stuff our face in Barcelona before flying to PMI!

With regard to my general impression of Iberia, I have always preferred to fly BA, even though I’m Spanish. Iberia lacks the professionalism you would expect from a flag carrier. The captain seldom bothers to address the passengers, not even when there is an unexpected and unexplained delay. And some addresses are given in Spanish only. It all feels a bit like a charter holiday airline to be honest.

Shame about the sticker on top of the windscreen 😀