Dear Friends I don't think that keeping the A380 out by not providing adequate airports is the answer. Like it or not, this is progress and you either go with it or get left out. As long as the A380 operators are willing to fly to the U.S., the airports should be more accommodating. Having larger aircraft would help solve the overcrowding problem as there would be less aircraft movements. Passenger taxes would increase due to the larger loads. Instead of building more terminals to accommodate more aircraft and thereby taking up more valuable land, all Branson is asking is for modifications to be made to take a larger two level aircraft. Instead of stifling the competition by denying it access, the U.S. should meet the competition head-on and overcome it. Like it or not, foreign-made goods are sometimes better. Just look at the cameras used by professional photographers. If the Americans were forced to buy American, they would still be using Kodaks, Anscos, and Graflexes instead of 11Mb Canon digitals. "It might actually be a good idea if no US airport could take the A380" sounds like an indirect attempt at protectionism, especially when Herman adds .."since no US airline has any on order." Would this change if a US carrier ordered one? The Concorde was flown exclusively by foreign airlines yet it was gladly accomodated by JFK and other US airports. Using the argument that no U.S. carriers will be flying the A380 and therefore the U.S. would not benefit from modifying airports is short sighted. For one, the economy would benefit from each planeload of 550 people. More visitors would mean more revenue and with those familiar with getting visitors to pay for their sports stadiums would know what I mean. Judging from the number of people who relish the opportunity of flying the B747, I think there will be a similar response to the A380. My two cents worth. Russell Ng SIN Herman R. Silbiger wrote: > > They just should ask Branson to pay for the improvements he wants. In > > any case I don't understand why airport authorities are forced to > > accommodate any plane than wants to come in. It might actually be a good > > idea if no US airport could take the A380, since no US airline has any > > on order. > > > > Herman > >