Originally Posted by
DAL4EVER
The difference is that Airbus is subsidized and as such it gives some sweetheart deals that Boeing may not be able to do. As far as overall costs go, Boeing 727s are still being used by FedEx and DHL. The 757s will be around for a long time. How many original A300s are left?
First, here is a argument about subsidies.
http://www.businessweek.com/debatero..._subsidie.html
So your point may be subject to challenge about Airbus being able to cut 'sweetheart deals'.
Second the 727s at FedEx can not really be used as a measure since they are not 'rode hard and put up wet' like many old airframes.
As for A300s still in service, again maybe more myth than fact...
http://blog.flightstory.net/63/last-airbus-a300-built/
The site is a bit confusing in that it states in one paragraph that more than 630 remain in service and in the next it says 120 are still flying. I'm not sure that 1/8th of the 727 fleet is still flying. I could be wrong.
But remember also, the A300 was Airbus's first effort which was not the case with the 727. Funny thing about the way the tide shifts.
Airbus says they are going to build a wide-body twin. Boeing, Douglas say there is no market. (both had studied WBTs and said it was not feasible). Airbus makes the 300. It enters a lease with Eastern for a paltry sum and Eastern becomes the first US operator of Airbus.
Airbus says it is going to make a narrow body twin. Boeing and McDoug say there is no room. Airbus builds the A320. Over the years, Airbus has continued to challenge Boeing and the customer is the better for it.
As for which is better, that is a matter of degrees and preferences. (having said that I think the yoke in FBW makes about as much sense as mudflaps on a Ferrari but I have heard the arguments. )