The 787 is not a small airplane. It is a 250-300 seater, with two of the three proposed models bigger than the 767-400. The 787 is also a long-range airplane, intended for coast to coast, and ultra long range international (i.e., Los Angeles to Bankok, nonstop) routes.
The 787 clearly targets Delta's international model above other models. Delta has more long range 767-300 and 767-400 departures than any other airline. Of the three major U.S. international carriers (United, Northwest, and Delta), Delta is the only carrier which does not fly 747s. Instead Delta chooses to offer multiple daily departures with 767s (and the occasional 777).
This might indicate ... the smaller Southwest models will thrive in the near future.
There is no doubt the model of more, smaller aircraft, flying direct between destinations is a trend. Once can see that from the sales of Boeing 737s and Airbus A320s. However, the 787 is not an indication of this domestic trend. Aircraft like the 787 in no way fit into the Southwest domestic model. They do fit into a similar model at an international level, with direct flights between second-tier cities.
Perhaps the 787 will fit in JetBlue's coast to coast model, assuming JetBlue's traffic per departure doubles, requiring an aircraft with more than twice the capacity of its A320s. But JetBlue is likey to adopt the Airbus A350, as Airbus' financing is a tool JetBlue uses to minimize its operating costs.
Thanks, that makes a lot of sense. The 787 was built to fill the niche in the mid market range with superior fuel efficiency. What do you think of the A380 market?