Airbus is again to scale back the A380’s production rate. The European manufacturer has announced it will build just eight A380s in 2019, a third less than the 12 it will produce next year. The company previously slowed A380 output to 15 jets for 2017, down from 28 in 2016.
The further reduction in the build rate reflects the A380’s sluggish sales pace. None has been ordered since early 2016 and the last large repeat order, from Emirates, came nearly four years ago. With the production rate now set at 35 aircraft over the next couple of years, the A380’s backlog will stand at 69 aircraft by 2020 if no further orders are received. Airbus is trying to raise market interest by studying new enhancements to the aircraft with the A380plus.
However, assuming the order backlog remains largely unchanged, the production rate of eight jets a month will enable Airbus to extend A380 production out to the late 2020s. That will keep the production line open, important if demand for the aircraft does rise or if the type were to be re-engined in the future.
The rate cut also reflects an overall lack of orders for airliners in the A380’s very large aircraft category. Boeing has likewise struggled to sell its competing 747-8I and most 747-8s in its backlog are freighters. Mark Broadbent
