Considering that CO intends to deploy the 787 on its EWR-Hong Kong, Delhi and Beijing routes first, a high density ( 9 abreast ) configuration is a must assuming that the competition will fly bigger aircraft into those markets as well pushing the average fares down.

The question however remains, if CO is flying as an independant carrier when the 787 comes online and if CO is still focussing on niche markets at that point.