Originally Posted by LAX
Well, what product can Airbus offer UA that makes sense for UA's strategy? UA will have no use of the A380 for sure. Maybe with some arm-twisting, UA might consider the A350, but that also depends on how it compares with the 787. Besides, UA already has decent fleet of A319's and A320's. Perhaps Boeing can come into play and offer some assistance in exit financing if Airbus decides to force UA its hands?!
I don't want to turn this into an A380 thread, but somehow I think the statement that UA has no use for the A380 is a bit off. I can think of several routes (SFO/LAX-SYD, SFO/LAX/ORD/IAD-LHR, SFO/LAX/ORD/IAD-FRA) that would benefit tremendously by the extra seat capacity. Cargo capacity is a different matter, however.
I can definitely see Airbus pushing the A380, A350, and the A340-600. Given a choice, I'd much rather do a transcon on an A340-600 than on a tattered B767 any day.