Posted 11/07/2006 05:48:00 PM by Douglas

Suck it, Airbus! Looks like FedEx realized 15 planes in the air is better than 10 planes that can only land at two airports.

FedEx, the American freight and logistics company, on Tuesday canceled an order for 10 Airbus A380 superjumbo jets, becoming the first customer to abandon the plane in the wake of the production delays that have shaken the European company.

The order will instead go to its American rival, Boeing, which will supply FedEx with 15 of its 777 Freighters, a plane also designed for long-haul cargo flights.

The value of the FedEx contract for Airbus was confidential, but the passenger version of the A380 lists for about $300 million. Still, Airbus is not likely to lose $3 billion because freighters, which have less elaborate interiors, are somewhat cheaper, and because the FedEx order was placed at the lower rates from 2001, an Airbus spokeswoman, Barbara Kracht, said.

Though the industry has been rife with speculation about possible cancellations of A380 deliveries, FedEx's decision is nonetheless a jolt to Airbus orders at a time when it can ill afford such losses. It also could set off what Airbus likely fears the most: other cancellations and fewer orders.

Suck it, commies. How 'bout building a plane someone wants?