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." ...