Airbus Flies Local Residents, Business Execs Instead

Airbus had hoped Los Angeles-area lawmakers, including Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, would be among the many airline executives, journalists and residents riding onboard its A380 during a 90-minute demonstration flight Thursday... but a little-known state law kept those politicians in their offices instead.

According to The Los Angeles Times, Villaraigosa and other politicos -- including the L.A. City Council, and elected officials of communities surrounding Los Angeles International Airport -- had to turn down the free ride, as it would have conflicted with a state law barring public officials from accepting free transportation of any kind... even a short round-trip.

Had the Mayor or others violated that rule to ride on the superjumbo plane, they may have been forced to forfeit their offices.

"Our primary responsibility is to make sure we don't violate any state laws," said Villaraigosa spokesman Darryl Ryan, adding the mayor hadn't received a formal invitation to ride on the A380.

The 1880s-era law was originally intended to prevent railroad companies from handing out free tickets, in hopes of currying favor with legislators. Airbus officials said Los Angeles is the only place they've encountered such prohibitions.

Earlier this year, Airbus promised the mayor the company would return with a fully-finished aircraft. The A380 that visited LAX in March was a test aircraft, witho only a small finished interior section amidst miles of wiring, and ballast tanks.

With local politicians kept on the ground, Airbus and Qantas Airways -- which will inaugurate A380 service at LAX next year -- extended invitations to 150 business leaders, and local residents. Many of those invited are outspoken opponents of plans to modernize the airport.

"People that are critical of airports need to know the new technologies that are available," said Airbus North America chairman Allan McArtor. "L.A. has to have an airport worthy and attractive enough for airlines to bring this kind of sophisticated airplane here."

FMI: www.airbus.com, www.lawa.org