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chashamilton writes:
"If all these use the 747-style upper cabin, why would Airbus have gone the other way?"
The A380 doesn't just have an upper cabin, it has an entire upper floor. There are two passenger decks, plus the cargo transport deck below the lower passenger deck.
"I also have a nick-name for the A380 - 'Baby Huey Beluga' - because most planes will be white, and the front of the plane looks more like the Beluga Whale to me than a porpoise."
There is actually a special type of Airbus plane officially nicknamed the Beluga -- the "A300-600ST Beluga Super Transporter", designed for ferrying Airbus parts around Europe from one plant to another. It can also be rented for other special transport jobs. Google for a picture of it, and you'll see the the aptness of the name.
As for the looks of the Boeing 747 vs. the A380, I agree, but I think this point is being driven into the ground by Patrick; this must be at least the fourth time he mentions this. But in any case, a it's generally a good column.
