I've long held the opinion that Airbus had no choice but to build the A380. The 747 was a hen with golden eggs and gave Boeing an entrenched position from which

I've long held the opinion that Airbus had no choice but to build the A380. The 747 was a hen with golden eggs and gave Boeing an entrenched position from which they could play advantage in other market segments. Killing the hen, even at a loss at face cost, was something Airbus had to do to even out the playing field.