Top 20 Mega Hubs By Passenger Volume In The World: Wikipedia
The 787-9 is really the "Game Changer", not like a prototypical 787-8. Boeing has changed so much from its learning points from the 787-8, that the 787-9 will please, astound, and change aviation more than what Boeing originally claimed during the onset of the 787-8 program. The 300 passenger 787-9 allotment of seats is about right. Its 8500-mile range is astounding and the innovation found on-board is incredible. Fancy seats on the A350 won't catch the 787-9, nor will the XWB motif sell more airplanes. Boeing has set a standard Airbus can't reach in 2015. Maybe by 2030, they will attempt to catch up with Boeing again.
As reported earlier, Emirates is tipping its hand towards Boeing, as a critical Middle East customer, as it dropped 70 Airbus from its order books and just purchased 150 777X 350-400 seat passenger jets. These jets pick-up where the 787-9 leaves off. The passengers will not be crammed-in while fitting out with 350-400 seat range, as found in 331 seated 787-800 or an A330 NEO type. The range, now that it is mentioned, erases the need for mega hubs other than landing in one, because that is truly your destination.
It means you can also go anywhere from a mega hub to small vacation destinations directly, on a sizable Boeing aircraft. The 8,500-mile reach in comfort is the actual start of a vacation until you reach the next baggage claim turnstile in the South Pacific. That doesn't sound A380 style at all since South Pacific atolls don't land the A380, where a 787-9 could. Should freight be the next 777X topic?