PROOF OF CONCEPT.

The article reports that Airbus Inc. officially introduced the A380 mega-transport to the world last week amid great fanfare, making its debut look almost easy. Airbus is confident its forecast for the commercial aircraft market is the correct one. German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder used the elaborate roll-out ceremony to make a case for continued government assistance to the European aircraft maker, even while U.S. and European trade officials are trying to bridge differences on the issue. Even without additional sales, a new A380 operator is expected this summer. International Lease Finance Corp. (ILFC) is in negotiations with an undisclosed Asian carrier to take the two A380s ILFC will receive in 2008.