Airbus to Delay Delivery of A380 Superjumbos to Emirates
Jackie Reddy December 29, 2016
This latest delay comes just months after the manufacturer announced that it would be cutting the annual production rate of the A380.
Manufacturer Airbus has announced that it will be delaying the delivery of twelve of its new A380 aircraft to Emirates, its biggest customer. The craft were due to be received by the Dubai-based carrier in 2017 and 2018, but it is has been announced that this delivery will be delayed by a year.
It has been reported that the carrier has voiced its concerns over the performance of the crafts’ engines, as supplied by Rolls-Royce.
This latest announcement occurs just months after Airbus said that it would cut the annual production rate of the craft in 2018 from 27 down to 12.
Having taken to the skies nearly a decade ago, the A380 hasn’t proved to be a lucrative money maker for Airbus. Its high operating costs have resulted in many carriers opting for smaller and more cost-effective twin-engine aircraft.
While the sales figures of the A380 have been lackluster, Airbus is unlikely to cease production of the jet.
Howard Wheeldon, an independent aviation expert, commented on the situation to the Telegraph, saying, “I don’t think it signals the end of four engines despite airlines maybe wanting that. Such is the difference in size of the A380 to say, a Boeing 777, that I do not believe, even if it were possible, that the overall market – both airlines and passengers – are ready for a 500-plus seat twin engine jet yet.”
He added, “But for airlines as operators it carries a large element of risk in terms of ability to fill every seat. It may be ahead of its time but then, we said that about the 747 in 1969 and look what happened a few years after that.”
Airbus has said that it would undertake cost cuts in order to offset the monetary impact of any late deliveries.
