Airbus, Boeing Serve Up Two Visions Of Future Air Travel Wednesday September 22, 6:50 PM EDT WASHINGTON (Dow Jones)--Airbus (ABI.YY) and Boeing Co. (BA) on Wednesday slugged out another round of competing visions for the future of air travel, in a pair of press statements aimed at winning new converts. Airbus briefed a flock of Washington reporters on its plan to build new super jumbo jets, ease congestion at hub airports and cater to growing markets in Asia. Boeing responded by slamming the Airbus projections and plugging its vision of increased point-to-point service. Neither manufacturer offered any new forecasts or budget projections. They also didn't say much about tax breaks or government subsidies, recurring concerns that often focus on one or both of the firms during U.S.-European trade negotiations. "Airports have recognized that the A380 represents the minimum investment answer to growing demand for air travel," said Airbus Vice President Adam Brown, referring to his firm's upcoming new super jumbo jet. The new 550-seat A380 aircraft will allow airlines to get more passengers on fewer flights, easing airport congestion and making the most of coveted flight slots, Brown said. He said Airbus also has a middle-sized airplane, the A330, that already provides the capability of Boeing's new Dreamliner 7E7. But Boeing says its 7E7 is superior to the A330 and also will do its part to ease airport congestion. "In reality, an airline's need to collect enough passengers to make an A380 flight profitable may increase congestion," Boeing said in its response. Roger EWROPS