Airbus to scrap the A380 superjumbo production in 2021

Airbus of Europe has announced on Thursday that they plan to scrap the production of A380 superjumbo, with the last of the jets to be delivered in 2021. This 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 agile jets.

This giant aircraft, having large factories in Bristol and North Wales, is giving up its dream of dominating the skies with the massive cruiseliner after years of lackluster sales.

In a statement, Airbus said that the last A380 would be delivered in 2021. The high-priced aircraft was struggling to compete with more efficient, smaller models. The European company said it would enter talks with unions in coming weeks over the 3,000-3,500 jobs potentially affected. The airbus plans to produce 17 more of the planes including 14 for Emirates and 3 for Japanese airline ANA.

“As a result of this decision we have no substantial A380 backlog and hence no basis to sustain production, despite all our sales efforts with other airlines in recent years. This leads to the end of A380 deliveries in 2021,” said Airbus chief executive Tom Enders.

Sunaya Paison
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