While the A380 is the quietest large jet in its class--confirmed by many passengers on the flight to Sydney--it hasn't all been smooth sailing for Airbus. The A380 has arrived 18 months behind schedule and at a cost of $3.35 billion.
Airbus has also struggled to get orders, having secured only 189 for its A380, compared to 710 for Boeing's marquee plane, the upcoming, midsize Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The two aircraft aren't direct competitors, given their size difference--the A380 is vastly larger and intended for long-haul routes--but they have been at the forefront of the battle for prestige between the two companies. Boeing's new jet is also behind schedule and is now due to be delivered to the first customer, Japanese airline ANA, in December 2008.
Qantas will receive its first A380 in August 2008, giving Singapore Airlines a 10-month head start in Australia.
Photo by Luke Anderson/ZDNet Australia
