A.R.S.E.

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It's an aircraft I'd certainly be interested in flying on - just to see if the differences are really apparent to the commuter.

I think the most noticeable difference to passengers will probably be the size of the windows. They're approximately twice the size of other types.

yeah if I wasn't working I'd have gone over to watch it in. Like the 787, but concerned about all the issues. Hope they get sorted out before the -9 otherwise the A350 is gonna romp it home the rest of it's life.

Unlike the 787, the A350 is meeting its targets. It's essentially a plastic A330 with a few frills and trimmings anyway.

But anything can happen.

it is a beautiful plane, shame about all the little bugs

Ill be flying it over to Bali in September!

Flying it, or in it?

I like the engine covers.

The worst kept secret in the world is out:

http://www.businessinsider.com.au/qanta ... ers-2015-8

Nobody should be surprised by this, given the fact that the B787 is already in service with Jetstar.

Yeah, but aren't they just the 8's?

It'll help the servicing requirements though.

Shame we're saying bye to the Queen of the Sky as a result though...

Yes but there will be little difference.

The 747? I confess, I'm not actually that romantic about it myself. It's been a great aircraft but it's past its use-by date. The 787 should get seat/mile costs about half that of the venerable jumbo, though it loses on volume. That means lower airfares and usually longer ranges due to greater fuel efficiency.

The 787 and the new 777X are definately the way forward for airlines. Everybody with the exception of Emirates has cancelled their orders for the A380.

What's wrong with the A380? Just too big?

Very large and expensive to acquire.

However, on a seat/mile basis, it's pretty hard to beat. It's just a question of what the market wants and whether or not it fulfils an airline's needs. Long haul, high capacity routes are really the only sectors where they are viable. The B777 and B787 don't really compete in the same market.

Airbus are now concentrating on the A350 which, so far, has been stellar.

Anyone who has ever flown on the A380 knows it's unique.

No doubt the a380 is unique (ive never flown on one but its on the bucket list). But airbus are yet to turn a profit on the project and i doubt they ever will as orders have ceased.

Probably true.

by the way: great as the B777 is, it is now a 20 year old design and really a mid life aircraft. I expect Boeing will do some serious updates on it pretty soon (B777-X). For mine it's their best design since the B747 and Qantas should have bought it 15 years ago instead of pissing about with old 747s on long haul, low capacity routes. I suspect some of the board members were only interested in their pension plans...