The question before the A380 eas developed was which model would win: hub-and-spoke or direct flights. Airbus thoight it was hub and spoke, Boeing bet on direct flights. Hence the A380 and B777. Sure Airbus was proud to build something bigger than the B747. Now, both the 747 and the A380 are gone. The biggest blinder was to not have a proper cargo version of the A380. It did prompt the A350 and B787 so, both of which are great planes.