Dreamliner Nears Production

Larry Dighera wrote:
Analysts say that Boeing made the right choice in building the
Dreamliner. It has racked up far more orders than the A380, which
has netted what analysts call a lackluster 149 orders and
commitments for 17 more. The analysts also question whether there
is enough growth in the super-jumbo market for Airbus ever to make
money on the plane...

Apples and oranges, of course as they are two completely different
category aircraft. Interestingly Boeing has revised its forecast of the
super-jumbo market upward. Their philosophy is still at odds (somewhat)
with Airbus' forecast, but the gap has closed a bit. The 747-8 is seen
as a less risky proposition than a clean-sheet design like the A380.

I read Airbus has revised its estimate saying its break-even figure has
gone from 250 aircraft to 400. Ouch. Their problem now is freeing up
the resources to develop the A350XWB to compete with 777, and in just a
few years the narrowbodies (A320, 737) will be redesigned. The A380
program delays have caused ripples that could affect other important
future development programs.