Originally Posted by SEA_Tigger
Yes, UPS ordered 10, as well. I imagine both well use them for their China-US service.
So Airbus is averaging 30 orders a year (figuring since 1999, going back to the A3XX announcement). They have 149, and need about that many more to break even (considering the huge launch discounts customarily given for new aircraft by both Airbus and Boeing). Then another 500 or so to make the 20% return on the $13 billion investment (so far) they promised. But EADS is hoping to sell upwards of 750 over the next thirty years.
Good luck to them. I just don't see it happening. I think the 7E7 is going to be much more successful in the long term, but not a grand slam either. The airlines just don't have that much capital to invest.