Register

A380 Production Line Will Remain Alive with Emirates Order

Rumors of the Airbus A380's demise are short-lived, thanks to a new aircraft order from Emirates. Emirates
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Emirates placed a new order for 36 Airbus A380s (20 firm, 16 options), potentially ensuring the continuation of the aircraft's production line after its future was recently in doubt.
  • The deal reinforces Emirates' strategy based on the superjumbo, though the choice of engine for the new aircraft remains unsettled due to the airline's reported dissatisfaction with current engine performance.
  • Additionally, British Airways is also considering ordering more A380s to optimize its limited landing slots at London Heathrow.
See a mistake? Contact us.

Just days after outgoing Airbus sales chief John Leahy announced the possible end of the A380 production line, because of dwindling orders for the giant four-engine aircraft, came word that Emirates, already operating 101 of the world’s largest passenger aircraft decided it could indeed use another 36 airplanes, 20 firm orders and 16 options. Whether this was the end game of a cleverly orchestrated game of cat and mouse is still open to debate. Airbus needed fresh orders for the airplane to keep the line rolling, but Emirates has staked its entire sales strategy on the 550-seat airplane.

Rob Mark

Rob Mark is an award-winning journalist, business jet pilot, flight instructor, and blogger.

Ready to Sell Your Aircraft?

List your airplane on AircraftForSale.com and reach qualified buyers.

List Your Aircraft
AircraftForSale Logo | FLYING Logo
Pilot in aircraft
Sign-up for newsletters & special offers!

Get the latest stories & special offers delivered directly to your inbox.

SUBSCRIBE