Opinion: The WhaleJet is coming, the WhaleJet is coming!

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The folks that run L.A.’s humble international airport finally have something to smile about. Turns out that Airbus will land its A380 on March 19, the day when the mega-jumbo will make its first stops in the United States. Of course, the only reason LAX officials have to soak up the moment is that Airbus gave them the finger just two weeks ago by reneging on a promise to make the airport its first U.S. stop if LAX accelerates building larger gates to accommodate the plane.

Of course, the landing is merely a publicity event, and LAX can use all the positive PR it can get. But it’s hard to imagine that any widespread media exposure would boost the public’s (or airlines’) confidence in the airport. Just think: After the A380 touches down smoothly, it taxis past at least three drab terminals -- all congested -- that can barely accommodate today’s largest planes. The mega-jumbo then pulls up to a gate built specifically for the A380 at the Tom Bradley International Terminal, which many say represents the cutting edge of bus terminal design. Not exactly the most camera-friendly airport.

After all the hype dies down, LAX officials still have plenty of work to do. (For the record, I plan on stopping by for the WhaleJet’s first LAX visit, which I’m sure hoards of airplane spotters are as well.)