Airbus has their A350 (a long-range derivative of the A330) as a counterpoint to the 7E7. It isn't as risky a concept; it only makes partial use of composites (like the A380 does), but it does share the same engines that the 7E7 uses.
The 7E7 is set to enter service in 2008 if Boeing can get all the [composite] pieces to fall together. The A350 would enter the market in 2010.
Boeing has no counterpoint to the A380, which will see service in the large growth, large population Asian airline industry.
But between now and then, Airbus is continually OWNING Boeing. So many of you quote figures for American-based airlines, even though growth in the international airline industry will be huge. Here's an idea of what's going down (note the number of orders from Asian airlines, where Boeing is losing out big):
Seattle PI
Other than in Japan, Boeing continues to lose market share to Airbus.
That was underscored again yesterday when another low-cost carrier, Indian Air Deccan, announced an order for 30 Airbus A320s. Kingfisher Airlines, a rival Indian low-cost airline that is not yet in operation, signed a contract with Airbus this week for 10 A320s with options for 20 more.
Boeing's 737 once dominated with low-cost airlines. But Airbus has recently been eating Boeing's lunch in this growing market segment.
Airbus has won every major low-cost order this year, including one for 70 planes last month from Air Berlin and its start-up partner Niki Luftfahrt. Air Berlin currently operates only 737s.
Last week, Malaysia's AirAsia, the largest and fastest-growing low-cost airline in the region, said it would order 40 Airbus A320s to replace its all-Boeing 737 fleet.
John Leahy, chief commercial officer at Airbus who personally leads many of the Airbus sales campaigns, said Airbus has won more than 200 orders this year from low-cost airlines. Total Airbus jetliner sales this year could reach about 325, he said.
Boeing has not beaten Airbus in new orders since 2000.