The A380, like the 747 before it, is a 50 year programme and, as the 747-8i fades, will eventually be re-engined and stretched (in that order). The 777-9X will be tough to beat but, with new engines and denser configurations the A380 will continue to gain sales where slot restrictions exist. It may never sell in the same numbers as the big twins but it will be Airbus' trump card for years to come and may even, eventually, make them some money!