Airbus is already working to certify automation in the cockpit to allow single pilot ops. A350
Like one of the replies to this thread: People would have screamed "impossible!" about twin engine oceanic flights... no way it would ever be possible and yet only a minority of planes flying transatlantic/Pacific flights are 4 engine aircraft (very few 3 engine birds in service anymore). That's within a span of less than 20 years too.
Automation is certainly improving. Only a matter of time now.