The recent shock announcement that production will end in 2021 sees the beginning of the end for the A380, but it has years of service ahead of it. Chris Frame details recent developments with the carriers that operate the super jumbo.
On February 14 with no further orders expected Airbus announced that production of the A380 will cease in 2021. The advent of super-efficient twin-engine aircraft, such as the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, Airbus A350 and Boeing 777X programme, have seen a significant dip in demand for very large aircraft.
Nevertheless, the A380 remains a firm favourite among many travellers who will often select a particular flight just to get aboard the aircraft. Its spaciousness and onboard amenities are just a few of the benefits of the Airbus double-decker. To date, 274 A380s have been ordered. Of those, 235 have entered service with 14 airlines.
