MrMD11

But I think Gator proved my point. I believe that UA ordered both so that if one aircraft type performs better than the other, then UA can dump the type that doesn't meet expectations.

However, my original comment centered on the fact that it would have been nice for UA to place an exclusive order with Boeing, an American manufacturer. After all, it was American taxpayers (again, through the PBGC) who are now supporting the retirements of a large number of UA employees.

Eherran

I agree, but you know how hard it is in this day and age to get that done. Heck, even "Cash for Clunkers" turned into a Japanese car-buying frenzy and didn't really help the big three out too much. I wish they would attach conditions (such as what you said about buying from Boeing) to all these aid packages, but you know that would never get approved in Congress.

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aligator

in several countries tax payers paid to keep the airlines survive, it was same story as SWISSAIR survived with huge government money...but at the end I think for most tax payers it is more important to keep the airline survive..it would bring nothing if an airline just cuz of nationalistic reason would focus on a domestic product and at the end the airline would be in huge troubles cuz other competitors would faster get a better product, while you would have to deal with huge delays....the delays of Boeing and airbus in past caused big troubles for some airlines...that's why as an airline you must more care to keep your own business running well, instead of trying to please the public by ordering domestic products...I mean Lufthansa is an European Airlines but they ordered the 747-8....Aeroflot is a Russian airline but they ordered both Airbus and Boeings....at the end of day as an airline, you must look that you would be able to survive in the taff global competition, there is not much space for emotional nationalism...Boeing and Airbus must both learn to adapt to the conditions of the global market else both of them would disapear...remind you in few years China would also have an aviation industry and Embraer and Bombardier also step by step expanding their products.... so AIRBUS AND BOEING both must less talk and complain and more focus on working....

jwalters692005

It will probably never happen, but an A 380 would sure look nice painted in United colors