Airbus Seeks Extended Warm Reception

The A380's U.S. tour last week did not eliminate airline industry doubts, but it certainly bolstered Airbus' case that the troubled airplane may someday gain a measure of acceptance.

In fact, response to the plane was positive enough that it may have helped to raise expectations for Airbus' other problem child, the A350. "The tour sent a message that despite all the delays and the problems back in Europe, Airbus is capable of an impressive technical achievement," says airline analyst Richard Aboulafia of the Teal Group. "I think [that] is useful for 350 sales."

Dozens of reporters who flew on demonstration flights had generally favorable reactions. "It's helpful to all product lines," said Airbus spokesman Clay McConnell, as the tour concluded. "The A380 is the signature airplane of Airbus right now, [and] it is a rock star that is getting a lot of attention."

Both the A380 and the A350 have been plagued with problems that include cost overruns, delivery delays and a meltdown at parent company European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company. But the A380, at least, is now flying, and the promise of a 2007 delivery to customer Singapore Airlines seems likely to be honored.

Having two plane models enables Airbus to compete in two international segments, COO John Leahy told reporters aboard the A380's New York flight. The A380, which can seat 550 to 800 passengers, will fly between hubs. The A350, which will seat 270 to 350, will fly point to point. That distinguishes Airbus from Boeing(BA Quote). Leahy said Boeing "bet it all on point to point" by focusing on development of the 787, which seats 210 to 330.