Could the new Airbus A380 make all other aeroplanes too dull? Australian Qantas Airways thinks it might. From the Sydney Morning Herald:

Qantas is about to give itself the sort of problem that most airlines dream about: a new product aboard a new aeroplane that makes all its other aeroplanes, if not obsolete, then second-rate, as far as its customers are concerned.

Who will want to fly on a Qantas 747 jumbo again after flying on one of its Airbus A380 super-jumbos from next year?

In terms of comfort and in-flight facilities, the A380 unveiled by Qantas this week is likely to cause a mini-revolution. Up and down the cabin, from economy to first class, it will be a better offering than anything that has gone before it.

The article goes on the list some of the new facilities:

• Wide-screen monitors in all cabins with digital picture and sound quality
• Audio and video on demand with more than 100 on-demand movies, 350 television selections, 500 audio CDs, 30 PC style games, as well as a selection of audio books and radio channels
• Language tutorials
• Deloitte Leadership Academy
• Online duty free shopping
• Moving maps, text news and weather
• An intuitive graphics system allowing users to navigate through entertainment options or in-seat communications easily
• Wireless connectivity throughout the aircraft
• In-seat access to email and the Internet, telephone and SMS
• USB and RJ45 ports as well as PC power for all seats
• An external camera giving a pilot's eye view of take-off, landing, and cruising

I can't wait to get aboard.