WHILE Airbus is fantasising about the future of flight, and Boeing reveals its latest plans for the 787 Dreamliner at the Paris Air Show, senior officials from both firms are skirting the issue airline chiefs want the answer to – when will a replacement for the 150-seat A320 and Boeing 737 be announced?

While industry’s focus at Paris remains locked on the delays of the 787, it is important not to forget the 737 accounted for almost 60% of Boeing’s jet deliveries last year.

At Airbus, equally as much attention is given to the A380 superjumbo. But only 20 are planned to be built this year. In comparison, Airbus builds 34 A320s a month.

Analyst Dominic Gates said: “Industry experts are focusing on the near-term strategic choice ahead in the crucial small-airliner segment, where Boeing estimates over the next 20 years airlines will buy more than 23,000 single-aisle aircraft. These short-haul jets represent aviation’s largest single market niche.

“Boeing and Airbus split the global market about 50-50 right now, so the company can't afford to have the A320neo tilt that balance toward Airbus.”

But does Airbus need to fear its American rival and vice versa? Or is there another threat?

Smaller manufacturers in Brazil, Canada and Japan are developing aircraft that could fill the 120-150 seat market. But China’s state-developed plane, the Comac 919, could threaten all these aircraft.