Airbus said in a statement that the last A380 would be delivered in 2021.
PHOTO: REUTERS
The world’s largest airliner, with two decks of spacious cabins and room for 544 people in standard layout, was designed to challenge Boeing’s legendary 747 but failed to take hold as airlines backed a new generation of smaller, more nimble jets.
Airbus said in a statement that the last A380 would be delivered in 2021.
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Confirming a shake-up first reported by Reuters, it said Emirates - the largest A380 customer - had decided to reduce its orders for the iconic superjumbo and order a total of 70 of the smaller A350 and A330neo models.
AFP factfile on the A380.
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) February 14, 2019
Airlines struggled to fill a plane capable of carrying anywhere from 500 to 850 people@AFPgraphics pic.twitter.com/x7zVU1JEEq
The European company said it would enter talks with unions in coming weeks over the 3,000-3,500 jobs potentially affected.
Airbus will produce 17 more of the planes including 14 for Emirates and 3 for Japanese airline ANA.
As part of the restructuring, Emirates placed a new order for 40 A330-900neo jets and 30 A350-900 aircraft, partially restoring a purchase of A350 aircraft which it cancelled in 2014.
Following a review of its operations and in light of developments in aircraft and engines, @Emirates agrees with Airbus to
— Airbus Newsroom (@AirbusPRESS) February 14, 2019
➡ reduce its A380 order book by 39 aircraft
➡ order 40 #A330neo & 30 #A350
As a result, A380 deliveries will cease in 2021
Release: https://t.co/hCyvPElB1O pic.twitter.com/S8t2KI3Ge4
Emirates, which had built its global brand around the A380 and Boeing 777 and which also has 100 of the Airbus superjumbos in its fleet, said it was disappointed by the closure.
“Emirates has been a staunch supporter of the A380 since its very inception,” said Emirates Chairman Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed al-Maktoum.
Airbus hit by jet cancellations as A380 shutdown looms
“While we are disappointed to have to give up our order, and sad that the programme could not be sustained, we accept that this is the reality of the situation,” he added.
The A380 will remain a pillar of the Emirates fleet well into the 2030s, stated the airline.
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