There have been topics on the state of employment in the USA in the past and how many of these jobs are been lost to other countries. Also, due to the war in Iraq the country of France is not exactly popular with many Americans, and rightly so. Here FWIW is the latest example (in todays AP news) of money leaving America to pay for jobs out of the USA;
JetBlue has just ordered another 30 Airbus A-320 aircraft from France with options for another 50 more. They expect their fleet to soon number 123 Airbus aircraft. There are equivalent aircraft made in the US that Airbus could have ordered.
JetBlue has also ordered more aircraft from Embraer, another aircraft manufacturer not in the US.
Will I fly JetBue? No way! Unless they fly American made products, but that of course is not going to happen.

 

If it ain't Boeing, I ain't going.

 

Ahhhh, the WALMARTing of the airline industry.

If I can't drive, I ain't going.

Ed

 

I'm with ya on that one!

 

ME TOO!!!!!

 

Flying is safer than driving nowadays.

If it bothers you, just keep throwing them down and you'll be happy as a clam.

Nothing like a little bottled courage to keep you in the 21st century.

 

If Boeing could compete with Quality and Price, frame structure and overall room, JetBlue would have made a purchase. They've stated that in the past Unfortunately, they didn't make the cut because they weren't nearly as flexible as Airbus with delivery, customization etc.

If you know the history of Jetblue, Airbus and Boeing, then you would understand why they did the deal this way. Boeing has lost a lot of deals in recent years. You'd be hard pressed to find many airlines who aren't running Airbus these days, especially in the future. More low cost airlines are switching to Airbus because it's a better airplane for a number of reasons. To say that there is an equivilant built in the US, you're wrong. There is not. If there was, they would have purchased it according to their own words.

There are some seriously large Airbus orders out there from airlines other than JetBlue. If I were you, I'd prepare to start planning road trips if you don't want to fly an Airbus.

 

What he said. Strap me in a tin can with engines? Not gonna happen. Booze or no booze.

 

Well, half the joy of going somewhere is driving the truck. However, I do suppose my theory would'nt hold water (pun intended) if, say, I wanted to go visit Markus (AlpineRam).

Rich

 

Ahhhh young grasshopper, you have much to learn............First you must order the extreme moisture control option.

 

Talk to any million mile flyer and they'll tell you they don't like Airbus jets.

Compared to Boeing they're very underpowered, especially their big jets. It's easy to feel the difference on take-off and cruising through turbulence.

Airbus is heavily subsidised by the EU and they chince on their engines.

Maybe that's why they're so competitive price-wise.

I hope Boeing doesn't follow suit.

 

Yeah, I just couldnt afford that option!



Rich

 

I fly a Piper. Made in the good ole USA, and nobody cares about my shoes or what is in my bags, when I get to my destination they bring my rental car right to the plane.

Can't beat it unless you are crossing a lot of water.

 

Just throw some chains on the tires, wait for mid winter, head for Alaska, accross the aleutians (that chain of islands that freezes over), hello Russia, then head southwest and you'll hit Austria.


phox

 

Well, I only fly about 25,000 to 30,000 miles per year, but hey, who am I to know? I would take an A300 or A320 ANY DAY over a 737. I can't stand the 737. Never could. SO, even though I don't have a million miles a year, I would qualify myself as a frequent flier. I mean after all, I do get to talk to my own US Airways agent whenever I want.

Hmm, so lets compare facts shall we?

A320 weight: 77,000 lbs
737: 124,000 lbs

A320 length: 123 wingspan 111
737: 109 wingspan 94

A320 Passengers: 169
737: 140

A320 Engine thrust (each): 27,000 lbs
737: 18,000 to 20,000 max

A320 Range: 3305 mi
737: 2081 mi

What you're saying makes no sense.

Explain your facts. My facts show me that the plane is stronger, handles more payload, is lighter, has more power and definitely has more room inside! In addition, even with the higher payload capacity, it still has much higher range than the 737. Almost 1400 miles. Now you tell me which one is going to be cheaper to operate? Jet Blue made the right decision. They bought a jet with more features, better range and more capacity then the competition. They tried to get Boeing to be flexible in terms of engines, weight and passenger capacity, but Boeing didn't budge. The ROI that JetBlue makes up by using Airbus jets over a 12 month period would be enormous on fuel costs alone! This is a business after all, and their job is to move as many people as possible while saving as much money as possible. Imagine being able to take 20+ more passengers on a lighter plane, while using 75% of the fuel the competition does? God shame on Jetblue for making a business decision that makes them the most competitive, lucrative, customer service oriented and highest quality airline in the industry! The shame of it for not buying a product of lower quality just because it's "American".


I don't mind arguing points, but someone bring me some facts here instead of opinions only based on bias!

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