Boeing did bet on more point to point connections. Their 2003 commercial market outlook states "Passenger preference for more frequent, nonstop flights with sho

Boeing did bet on more point to point connections. Their 2003 commercial market outlook states "Passenger preference for more frequent, nonstop flights with shorter trip times will continue to drive market evolution and airline strategies. After all, air travel is all about passenger convenience and saving time." - [0] They projected 18% or airplane deliveries would be for smaller regional jets. 56% for larger regional jets and single-aisle airplanes. Only 4% (or about 890 deliveries) for 747-size airplanes. Airbus on the other hand were much more bullish on hub and spoke model: "After a period when airlines experimented with services linking almost all possible combinations of cities, the global route network seems to have reached a point of saturation. Moreover, the bulk of air travel will continue to be generated by the concentrations of population, business and industry in and around the major cities, and the great majority of passengers will be carried over and through the major hubs." - [1] Airbus projected 1,535 VLA (i.e. A380) as opposed to 890 by Boeing. It cost much less to Boeing to offer 748 compared to full program like A380. Also most of 748 orders have been cargo, which is still a very healthy market. [0] - http://www.asiatraveltips.com/travelnews03/166Boeing.shtml http://www.asiatraveltips.com/travelnews03/166Boeing.shtml [1] - https://airinsight.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Airbus-GMF-2003.pdf https://airinsight.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Airbus-GMF...