[drtom]

The A350 is only on paper right now. The first deliveries are planned for 2013.

I wouldn't be surprised if EADS will be coming up for air by then. These things come in cycles (and Boeing had its ups and downs, too) and while they currently are hampered by restructuring and consolidation, it won't last forever.

I also expect the A380 to make big inroads once the first 100 or so are in operation. Many carriers are taking a wait and see attitude but once the aircraft has matured and the terminals are in place, many will follow suit.

[John Valentine]

I don’t expect the A380 to sell well in the longer term. The plane will be around for some time, and they will sell SOME more of them, but the very high volume routes it would be competitive on are too limited to really give the plane legs. I look for buyers to be concentrated in the Asian markets.