Praise the Lord

 

What do you have against the 787? It seems like after a big government cash infusion, a big order that didn't include Boeing would look really bad. Friends flying it absolutely love it.

 

787 pays less

 

Personally it’s because when I bid WB, I’d rather a larger pool of flights on one or two fleets than a smaller pool divided between more. More options and overnights to bid on.

 

Having flown international long haul and ultra long haul on both Boeing and Airbus, I can say unequivocally that having a tray table rather than a yoke to dance around for 14 hours is all the difference in the world. For takeoff and landing, give me the yoke. The stick is a gimmick imho. But for a flight that is 99% in autopilot/cruise mode... no thanks. Comfort means more.

I'm sure the 787 is a great airplane. GIven the choice... Go Bus for long haul

 

Insert the obligatory 'we can fix that' here.

 

I'd somewhat agree on the yoke issue. It might be me but flew the Airbus narrow body series for 20 years, the 777-200/300ER for the last 2. If the 777 (or 787) had side sticks, it'd be a good thing (thanks for nuthin UAL). Point & go of the AB side sticks works fine unless you start stirring the pot. (IE: in gusty conditions) I like the Boeing flight control architecture better than Airbus. There's no control feedback in the 320 series, just springs. Is that true for the 350 too? Busses are seemingly made of more plastic & kinda junky to my mind. Then there's lots of computer glitches, not a confidence booster for shooting CAT 3B IMHO. Once you get used to the Bus pranks, it's a matter of what breakers to pull. Most CB's can't be cycled in flight (computer reset). I'm thinkin the A350 is probably the same, not necessarily a good deal when you're been feet wet for 7 hours. The 777 is a famously dry environment, the 787 fixed that with humidifiers. All in all, I do wish I'd been able to fly the A350.

 

+1 on everything you wrote. They did 'fix' a lot of the silly things that go on on previous generations of Airbusses, (I only know anecdotally though as the 350 is the only one I have flown) but it still has it's quirks. It does feel a little more plasticy like you said compared to Boeing. All this being said though a very comfortable office.

 

Boeing feels like a fine German touring sedan, designed by engineers. Airbus feels like a cheap plastic Chevy designed by the finance department. The only thing Airbus got right was the side stick with a work tray, which overcomes all of the superior engineering at Boeing.

 

Yes, when I get into a 737, I can't help but think, dang, this is one finely engineered, comfortable ride.