Airbus to stop A380 production after current orders end

According to a media report, Airbus will stop manufacturing the A380. Deliveries are set to end in 2021. The move comes after Emirates reduced their order for the superjumbo. Support for the aircraft would continue as long as they are in service.

Airbus has delivered 234 A380s so far, less than the estimated 1,200 orders. Emirates followed other airlines like Qantas, who have cancelled their orders for the A380. It is reported that airlines prefer smaller, but fuel-efficient jets like the A330 and A350 models. Emirates has placed an order for 70 of these planes after cancelling the A380 orders.

As many as 3,500 staff from the A380 line could face an uncertain future. It is reported that the expansion of the A320 program and the order from Emirates could result in internal mobility opportunities.

The Airbus A380 undertook its first maiden flight in 2005 and entered commercial service in 2007. It measures 72.7m long, 24.1m tall and has a wingspan of 79.8m. It has a range of 15,000 km with a maximum cruising altitude of 43,100 ft. It can accommodate a maximum of 853 passengers across its full-length double decks.

Source: CNN