With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today .
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
5 Reasons to Boycott the Arrival of the Airbus A380
()
5. Airbus was actually going to dis LAX until a few weeks ago because the airport was so far behind on the infamous ~$50 million modifications needed to accommodate the 8-story tall village-in-the-sky. So while 550 Lufthansa passengers will arrive simultaneously (9:30 a.m. PDT Monday) at New York's JFK, the LAX-bound A380 is practically a test flight, with only handful of Airbus techs and some heavy equipment (although it's rumored that Samuel L. Jackson might be onboard... just in case).
4. The best plane-spotting and picture taking will most likely occur on the plane's Tuesday evening departure (around 7:30 p.m.). The behemoth will take off from northbound runway 25A, flying over Dockweiler State Beach at dusk. Now we're talking picnic and no need to ditch work.
3. Not only would a boycott be patriotic, it would be a nice display of empathy to Airbus employees in Europe, currently on strike in protest of 10,000 proposed job cuts. These job cuts were necessitated by delays in the roll-out of the A380 and as patriots, dammit, we're fine with our Boeings.
Support for LAist comes from
2. News outlets worldwide expect thousands of spectators to turn out at LAX to witness the scheduled 9:30 a.m. arrival. The LA Times suggests the same, and after dropping the somewhat insulting "IMAGE" section on us ("...a smart cultural observer of L.A.'s greatest obsession: the way we present ourselves to the world"), we'll steer clear of LAX if only to prove TribCo wrong clueless.
1. It's not a pterodactyl, it ain't Superman, nor is it the Enterprise. If thousands of Angelenos will skip work to watch a plane land, then we really need a pro football team.
AP Photo: Airbus/HO
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The Newport Beach City Council approved a new artificial surf park that will replace part of an aging golf course. -
The utility, whose equipment is believed to have sparked the Eaton Fire, says payouts could come as quickly as four months after people submit a claim. But accepting the money means you'll have to forego any lawsuits. -
The City Council will vote Tuesday on a proposal to study raising the pay for construction workers on apartments with at least 10 units and up to 85 feet high. -
The study found recipients spent nearly all the money on basic needs like food and transportation, not drugs or alcohol. -
Kevin Lee's Tokyo Noir has become one of the top spots for craft-inspired cocktails. -
A tort claim obtained by LAist via a public records request alleges the Anaheim procurement department lacks basic contracting procedures and oversight.
Best of LAist