Graphic shows details of Airbus A380 superjumbo.
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AVIATION

Airbus abandons iconic A380 superjumbo

By Mike Tyler

February 14, 2019 - European plane manufacturer Airbus is to end production of its A380 superjumbo. The firm will stop deliveries of the world’s biggest passenger jet in 2021 due to lack of customers.

The decision comes after Emirates, the largest A380 customer, cut back its order by 39 planes – from 162 to 123 aircraft.

The A380 has faced tough competition from smaller, more fuel-efficient aircraft and has never lived up to Airbus sales expectations.

Airlines have been cautious about committing to the costly plane, so huge that airports had to build new runways and modify terminals to accommodate it. The double-decker planes started flying in 2007 and seated more than 500 passengers.

Airbus said it would enter talks with unions in coming weeks over the 3,000-3,500 jobs potentially affected.

Sources
PUBLISHED: 14/02/2019; STORY: Graphic News
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