What even some industrial leaders fail to see is that Airbus' design is already as advanced that it only needs partial effort to come to an equal result with a B787. Some may remember that Airbus initial answer to the dreamliner was a A330 with the new B787 engine.
Even strong Boeing enthusiasts will soon realize that 787 and 350 will soon be about the same technological stage (do I have to say bleedles engine?).
The dreamliner will be a great aircraft, but most of its advances show against the aircraft generation its supposed to replace, i.e. 767/757, and not against more modern concept from the other side.
It was a pleasure to stear up the upcoming discussion ;-)
Dani