It'll be interesting to see how the A350XWB vs. B-787 competition will go....
At least AB got the battery configuration sorted out.. thanks to Boeing live testing...
I think a lot of people in Seattle are crossing their fingers that no more "battery thermal excursions" do occur in the next 24 months. But batteries aside, the real test will be to see if the the glossy brochure promised specs and savings % are really there.., So far they are not in the 787 I was told. If the 350 is the same , then it will be a 50/50 market share as usual , but if the 350 hold its promises, ad the 787 cannot improve and meet them , then it is a done deal I would say .
Watching how some major airlines react in the next months to their options /order options will also be a good thermometer.
e.g.:
United has currently 25 A350 + 50 Options and 50 B787 on order.
Qatar has currently 80 A350 on order and 30 B787