Conclusion
Both Boeing and Airbus spent billions of dollars in developing their unique strategies. Airbus bet that the way to cope with increased customer demand is to offer a platform, namely the A-380, capable of moving mass amounts of people using the hub system. Alternatively, Boeing focused on the 787 to offer consumers long-range capabilities while at the same time using direct connections. Initial trends indicate support for Boeing strategies based on accumulated orders for the 787, numbering nearly 500, whereas Airbus's A-380 has not received the amount of orders originally forecasted. Airbus also experienced major setbacks with the two-year delivery. delay while running nearly 50 percent over budget and losing orders from frustrated customers. Thus, Boeing currently holds the lead in the aerospace industry. However, the Asian markets are growing, and demand for large aircraft to meet air traffic increases is also likely to grow. Boeing may be confident in its strategy, but recent minor delays serve as a reminder that Boeing cannot get too comfortable. The first A-380 is slated to be delivered to Singapore Airlines on October 15, 2007 Will this aircraft become a sensation? Will Airbus be able to recoup its costs by 2010 and flourish in the industry? Will Boeing realize continued strategic success, given Airbus's A-350 program, which was established to compete with the 787?