Airbus to shut down A380 production

Lovers of the A380 received some bad news from Airbus today. Airbus has officially announced the end of the A380 program.

The death knell came with Emirates announcing an adjustment in its orders for new aircraft. Emirates has decided to reduce the number of A380s in its order book, and has switched to an order for 70 of the smaller A350 and A330neo aircraft.

As per the Airbus press release

Following a review of its operations, and in light of developments in aircraft and engine technologies, Emirates is reducing its A380 order book from 162 to 123 aircraft. Emirates will take delivery of 14 further A380s over the next two years. As a consequence and given the lack of order backlog with other airlines, Airbus will cease deliveries of the A380 in 2021.

The A380 was the world’s largest airliner, consisting of two decks of cabins. Depending on configuration it could fit in 544 people in standard layout.

It was designed as a challenger to Boeing’s 747. Unfortunately, it never achieved its potential in the face of the rise in the performance of the large twin engine aircraft.

Fortunately, they will be gracing out skies for 10 or more years. While Qantas recently cancelled the remainder of its order, it will soon embark on a mid-life refresh of the 12 aircraft it currently operates.