Boeing was very leary of going to composite construction due to uncertainty about how the material ages. The Boeing 7E7 represents a complete reversal of that long policy by going to a mostly composite vehicle. That situation was forced by the rising cost of fuel. Hopefully Boeing will learn from the mistakes of Airbus.

The aluminum Boeing 747 has an outstanding safety record and is a conservative design. I'll always fly my family on a 747 over an Airbus if given the choice. I would not be in a big hurry to fly in a 7E7 until it establishes a track record. Boeing needs to go with a blended wing body as soon as possible if they want to remain competitive against the French.

Gary