Airbus cuts A380 production again

European aircraft maker Airbus has cut production of its slow-selling A380 superjumbo for the second time in a year.

Airbus has revealed that deliveries of the A380 will fall from 15 this year to 12 in 2018 and eight in 2019.

The aircraft maker said only a year ago it would cut the production rate from 27 in 2015 to just 12 a year in 2018. It has not had an order for the superjumbo for two years.

The announcement came as Airbus reported stable revenues of €28.7bn during the first six months of 2017, although adjusted earnings before interest and tax dropped 35 per cent to €1.1bn.

Airbus’ order intake in the first half of 2017 totalled €37.2bn, down from €39.1bn the same period last year.

Commercial aircraft revenues rose 3 per cent with deliveries of 306 aircraft, comprising 239 A320 family, 30 A350 XWBs, 31 A330s and six A380s.

In June, the group unveiled plans to upgrade the A380 as part of an effort to boost flagging sales. It said the new version would cut costs for airlines by 13 per cent per seat.

An Airbus study found aerodynamic improvements, in particular new, large winglets and other wing refinements, meant the A380plus would burn up to 4 per cent less fuel.

“It is a new step for our iconic aircraft to best serve worldwide fast-growing traffic and the evolving needs of the A380 customers,” said John Leahy, Airbus COO Customers.

“The A380 is well-proven as the solution to increasing congestion at large airports, and in offering a unique, passenger-preferred experience.”

By David Casey - Routes Online