QR retires A380 after 10 years (~2024-2028)
Feb 13, 2019, 10:26 pm
#18
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,674
Now Airbus has confirmed it.
Airbus and Emirates reach agreement on A380 fleet, sign new widebody orders
Emirates has also decided to continue growing with Airbus’ newest generation, flexible widebody aircraft, ordering 40 A330-900 and 30 A350-900 aircraft.
“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 Officer Tom Enders. “The consequences of this decision are largely embedded in our 2018 full year results”.
“The A380 is not only an outstanding engineering and industrial achievement. Passengers all over the world love to fly on this great aircraft. Hence today’s announcement is painful for us and the A380 communities worldwide. But, keep in mind that A380s will still roam the skies for many years to come and Airbus will of course continue to fully support the A380 operators,” Tom Enders added.
“The A380 is Emirates’ flagship and has contributed to the airline’s success for more than ten years. As much as we regret the airline’s position, selecting the A330neo and A350 for its future growth is a great endorsement of our very competitive widebody aircraft family,” said Guillaume Faury, President of Airbus Commercial Aircraft and future Airbus CEO. “Going forward, we are fully committed to deliver on the longstanding confidence Emirates is placing in Airbus.”
Airbus will start discussions with its social partners in the next few weeks regarding the 3,000 to 3,500 positions potentially impacted over the next three years. However, the ongoing A320 ramp-up and the new widebody order from Emirates Airline will offer a significant number of internal mobility opportunities.
Airbus and Emirates reach agreement on A380 fleet, sign new widebody orders
- Emirates to reduce its A380 orderbook by 39 aircraft
- Orders 40 A330neo and 30 A350s
- Last delivery of A380 scheduled for 2021
Emirates has also decided to continue growing with Airbus’ newest generation, flexible widebody aircraft, ordering 40 A330-900 and 30 A350-900 aircraft.
“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 Officer Tom Enders. “The consequences of this decision are largely embedded in our 2018 full year results”.
“The A380 is not only an outstanding engineering and industrial achievement. Passengers all over the world love to fly on this great aircraft. Hence today’s announcement is painful for us and the A380 communities worldwide. But, keep in mind that A380s will still roam the skies for many years to come and Airbus will of course continue to fully support the A380 operators,” Tom Enders added.
“The A380 is Emirates’ flagship and has contributed to the airline’s success for more than ten years. As much as we regret the airline’s position, selecting the A330neo and A350 for its future growth is a great endorsement of our very competitive widebody aircraft family,” said Guillaume Faury, President of Airbus Commercial Aircraft and future Airbus CEO. “Going forward, we are fully committed to deliver on the longstanding confidence Emirates is placing in Airbus.”
Airbus will start discussions with its social partners in the next few weeks regarding the 3,000 to 3,500 positions potentially impacted over the next three years. However, the ongoing A320 ramp-up and the new widebody order from Emirates Airline will offer a significant number of internal mobility opportunities.
Feb 14, 2019, 5:03 am
#19
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: London
Programs: BAEC Gold
Posts: 408
Maybe they'll introduce First back on the 777X (If they also keep the AS Lounge). On the popular routes like LHR, they could introduce premium Aircrafts which only has 1st & business (bit like the A319 where it had all business). People who usually fly in F/J do appreciate when there is no economy cabin.
Feb 14, 2019, 11:04 am
#20
Join Date: Jan 2017
Programs: qr
Posts: 262
Maybe they'll introduce First back on the 777X (If they also keep the AS Lounge). On the popular routes like LHR, they could introduce premium Aircrafts which only has 1st & business (bit like the A319 where it had all business). People who usually fly in F/J do appreciate when there is no economy cabin.
I cannot see them starting another all Premium route to London or anywhere else, that was trailed and not that popular in the end , however it did secure another slot for them at LHR where eventually it was utilised by a normal wide body aircraft.
Feb 15, 2019, 5:00 am
#21
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: LHR
Programs: QR Platinum, WY Gold, Shangri-la Diamond, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,151
I'm also super sad to see this - as an LHR flyer I always aim for the A380s and they are my favourite to fly in all classes (narrowly beating the Qsuite, as I love the lounge!).
Have QR also dropped the final 2 aircrafts on order then? I thought they were originally going to take 10 A380s, but (if I'm not wrong) they've stopped at 8?
Have QR also dropped the final 2 aircrafts on order then? I thought they were originally going to take 10 A380s, but (if I'm not wrong) they've stopped at 8?
Feb 15, 2019, 8:58 am
#22
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: BOS/UTH
Programs: AA LT PLT; QR GLD; Bonvoy LT TIT
Posts: 12,742
I wonder if Airbus' terminating the 380 program will breathe new life into the 748. Anyone have any idea of operating cost/profitability for the 748 compared to the 77W or 77X?
Feb 15, 2019, 9:07 am
#23
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: SHA，CPH
Programs: SAS EuroBonus Gold, Qatar Privilege Club Gold
Posts: 235
I talked to an 77W's CPT yesterday, he said the Boeing has less maintenance cost than the Airbus.
Feb 15, 2019, 11:59 am
#24
Join Date: Jan 2017
Programs: qr
Posts: 262
I'm also super sad to see this - as an LHR flyer I always aim for the A380s and they are my favourite to fly in all classes (narrowly beating the Qsuite, as I love the lounge!).
Have QR also dropped the final 2 aircrafts on order then? I thought they were originally going to take 10 A380s, but (if I'm not wrong) they've stopped at 8?
Have QR also dropped the final 2 aircrafts on order then? I thought they were originally going to take 10 A380s, but (if I'm not wrong) they've stopped at 8?
Feb 16, 2019, 2:49 pm
#26
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Germany
Programs: QR Gold, Skyteam Silver, Hilton Diamond, IHG Platinum
Posts: 144
I think QR never really loved their A380s. I flew it only once, but read many reports of course. Cant remember a truely enthusiastic report. And also my limited experience was disappointing in terms of food (80% identical to C class) and service (crew had a bad day maybe). I think QR very early set their sails on developing a product which makes F redundant..and they feel they have this product now. Actually, when it comes to the roomyness of their A380 cabin their 777 gives you almost the same space..sometimes with a neighbour, admitedly.
Feb 17, 2019, 10:35 pm
#29
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: MEL
Programs: DL, QF, QR Gold, MR Lifetime Gold
Posts: 6,999
I've flown several times on the MEL route with the A380 packed to the brim in Y. This is a route for which it makes perfect sense. As a pax, I find the A380 FAR superior to the 773 QR used to fly into MEL prior to that, mainly because of the noise. 777s are ridiculously LOUD. I hope Boeing is improving the noise level with the 777X because the old/current one is WAY too much.
Feb 27, 2019, 12:24 am
#30
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: SYD
Programs: QF Platinum (LTG), OW Emerald, Accor Platinum; Hyatt Explorist.
Posts: 2,165
Totally agree Florin. The 777 is a loud beast better suited to being a cargo aircraft. The A380 is by far the best in-flight experience of any aircraft be that Airbus or Boeing. Airbus over sound proofs its aircraft esp the A380 and A350. Boeing won't ever come to that party as it would add weight; Boeing only care about airlines, not their passengers, whereas Airbus cares about both.I refuse to fly the 777 aircraft on anything over 5 hours simply horrible atmospherics and noise +++! I don't think the 777x will be any better noise or atmospherics wise. When the A380 goes it will be the A350 for me wherever possible esp on long and ultra long haul. Boeing just doesn't cut it for me to waste my money on a horrible in-flight experience. Wont even start on the cramped in any class Boeing 777!
