"Wolfgang Schwanke" wrote:

It's a war between the two giant, state-supported airliner mfrs.

But why do us outsiders have to take sides?

Europeans and Americans are not outsiders in this struggle, since our
governments support the combatants.

The
winner will dominate the business and the loser's country will suffer
economically.

Not necessarily. Why can't we have a "live and let live" attitude?

Are you kidding? International trade is war, nice sounding treaties
notwithstanding.

If
an interesting and valuable project gets started which can make life
better or is just an achievement in its on right, I'm happy, no matter
who it is or what country it's from. As long as it's not about guns or
other things which are to destroy rather than enjoy.

Actually, the 380 would likely be a boon to the economy around here
(Mobile, Alabama) because Brookley Field would probably get a lot of
maintenance and component manufacturing business.

See?

But it's political as much as economic. Both companies use this
strategy to ease the qualms (and grease the palms) of countries that buy
their products. Net total is still a loss for the U. S.

Overall, though, if
the 380 is a big success it will hurt Boeing and the U. S.

If that is what your media are telling you, don't believe them. They
are paid by the industry . Perhaps the competition can enthuse
Boeing
to create a new, even more spectacular jet, and the games goes into
another round.

Because of the immense development costs, there's room for only one new
jumbo jet in the world market. It may be there's room for only one mfr.
of large airliners, too. I believe Boeing and Airbus both suspect this
is true, and are betting on different airplanes to make them the "one."
--
Dan
C172RG at BFM