The competition between Boeing and Airbus in producing commercial aircraft took a dramatic leap forward on September 27 when British Airways, long a steady customer of the Boeing Company, ordered 12 Airbus A380 double-decked ‘superjumbos’ along with 24 Boeing 787s. These new aircraft, due to be introduced in October 2007 and May 2008, have been hailed by many as beginning the transition into the new era of commercial aircraft. However, at the same 
time, British Airways sent an alarming signal to Boeing. Not only did they purchase the new A380 from Boeing’s rival, Airbus, but they also reduced the original order of 787s and declined to purchase any of the new Boeing 747-8 Intercontinentals; planes that had been designed by Boeing to offset the appeal of the A380.
time, British Airways sent an alarming signal to Boeing. Not only did they purchase the new A380 from Boeing’s rival, Airbus, but they also reduced the original order of 787s and declined to purchase any of the new Boeing 747-8 Intercontinentals; planes that had been designed by Boeing to offset the appeal of the A380.Airbus began the competition in the early 1990s by developing plans for a very large airliner that would compete with Boeing’s famed 747 which is known worldwide for its range, comfort and speed. The end result was the A380, which has shocked experts with its size and capabilities. Boeing responded by designing and producing the 787, which has won high praise so far for its fuel efficiency, durability and comfort. In 2005 they also developed the 747-8, which was designed to keep many of the characteristics of the famed original 747 while at the same time accommodating more passengers and therefore offsetting the appeal of the A380 in that regard.
The signal sent by British Airways has marked a 
trend, as to date only one airline has ordered any 747-8s at all, and that is the German airline, Lufthansa, which has ordered twenty. While the Airbus A380 has not done much better, this still marks the first time that Boeing has been outdone that badly by Airbus. In addition, though Boeing executives say that Airbus’ success is not really a blow, other analysts are inclined to believe otherwise. Many believe that Boeing will suffer financial reductions that could harm their production capabilities until the 787 and the planned 797 finally begin to produce and turn out, but even then it could be too late to recoup financially as the 787 will not begin service till May and the 797 is not set for release till 2014.
trend, as to date only one airline has ordered any 747-8s at all, and that is the German airline, Lufthansa, which has ordered twenty. While the Airbus A380 has not done much better, this still marks the first time that Boeing has been outdone that badly by Airbus. In addition, though Boeing executives say that Airbus’ success is not really a blow, other analysts are inclined to believe otherwise. Many believe that Boeing will suffer financial reductions that could harm their production capabilities until the 787 and the planned 797 finally begin to produce and turn out, but even then it could be too late to recoup financially as the 787 will not begin service till May and the 797 is not set for release till 2014. 
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