Some people have mentioned it as being unpatriotic. I'm assuming there were business reasons, and want to know what they are. Longer range, cheaper operation costs?

I don't pay attention to the metal I am on, so I don't know what the difference is. Besides price, I'm wondering what the business reasons were to choose Airbus over Boeing. Obviouisly, fleet commonality is a big concern, but why did they go with Airbus in the first place.