Another headwind for Airbus A380

Another headwind for Airbus A380

You may have already heard about the recent discussions on the concerns about Airbus A380’s future.

The biggest passenger aircraft has been on the table for the crucial decision to keep the production or not. Airbus recently informed that the yearly manufacturing rate will decrease which would cause many job cuts at the assembly factory.

Currently, Airbus produces about 12 aircraft for each year but is planning to reduce it to 6 by 2020. 50% decrease on the production rate has increased the concerns on A380.

Although the recent “life line support” from Emirates Airlines which ordered 20 additional Airbus A380, the concerns are still ongoing.

The model has received more than 330 orders and more than 220 have been already delivered. 

 

However, Airbus A380 had another unexpected hit from UK based airline, Virgin Atlantic. Virgin Atlantic Airways cancelled 6 orders on the model of Airbus A380. Virgin Atlantic has confirmed the A380 cancellation. As well known, Virgin Atlantic one of the first airlines invested in Airbus A380.

Probably due to increase on fuel prices and decrease on passenger numbers, the Airline has to look for much smaller wide body aircrafts. The operation difficulties and time efficiency issues of Airbus A3800’s are the ongoing concerns.

Virgin management informed that although the A380 orders have been cancelled they plan to acquire more A350-1000s.

Nevertheless, Airbus A380 is the airplane that proven that such huge double deck can be used on daily operations effectively by using the recent unique technology in aviation. Therefore, aviation enthusiast are willing to see the A380 flying many more years ahead. 

Photo: Airliners.net