A380 flies off into History

[Phil1111 910]

Airbus scraps A380 superjumbo jet as sales slump

"The A380's future had been in doubt for several years as orders dwindled. But in a statement on Thursday, Airbus said the "painful" decision to end production was made after Emirates reduced its latest order. The Dubai-based airline is cutting its overall A380 fleet size from 162 to 123.

Emirates said it would take delivery of 14 further A380s over the next two years, but has also ordered 70 of Airbus' smaller A330 and A350 models."

First Airbus A380 Jumbos Head For Scrap Heap

"For example, no American carriers fly the giant A380. None ever have. And the A380 entered commercial service with lead customer Singapore Airlines just 11 years ago. Yet two of the first A380s in service are apparently are already destined for the scrap heap.

Singapore Airlines got the planes in 2007, on a ten-year lease from Dr. Peters, a German aircraft leasing company. At the end of the lease, the aircraft were repainted and returned to Dr. Peters during the last quarter of 2017. They were stored at an airfield in the French Pyrenees while the company made a concerted effort to find a new operator. Unfortunately, despite reports that the aircraft were bound for Portuguese aircraft operator Hi Fly, a buyer has not been found." Story from June, 2018.

Airbus ends the A380 program

The final case for the end of the a/c  Leahy remains steadfast in A380 future

[Guest]

Yup. Adios muchachos. The 380 was an amazing plane, but at the wrong time. The only reason the Tolouse line lasted this long was because Emirates was buying them and once they cut their orders, it was curtains.

Boeing bet the company on the 787 and it's paid off. Why have a huge A380 (or 747) when you can carry as many pax or more on two smaller aircraft which although have less capacity, are far more fuel-efficient with just two engines and not four, and have the flexibility of running medium-haul or long-haul, operating out of regional fields instead of big ones? Lots of reasons. There's also the maintenance costs associated with the operating costs. The A330 and A340 do the job for most airlines too. Don't cry for Airbus. Unlike Boeing, EADS gets taxpayer subsidies from four European countries. BCAG has to make their own revenue (Missiles & Space Div doesn't subsidize BCAG)...

[Iago 8]

Heh, the secondary market got flooded after the House of Saud had to sell off their private fleet..

[Phil1111 910]

8 hours ago, markharju said:

.. Unlike Boeing, EADS gets taxpayer subsidies from four European countries. BCAG has to make their own revenue (Missiles & Space Div doesn't subsidize BCAG)...

No cigar for you, sir.

Boeing Subsidy Tracker Parent Company Summary

Exclusive: WTO rules Boeing's state subsidies illegal

[Guest]

Yeah, you're right. I was basing that on info before I got laid off in 2003. BCAG (commercial airplanes) was a separate entity even after the McD merger, but times have changed. I do like what that first article says, though. The Chinese intend to take over the commercial air market, using technology stolen from the West (something the Soviets tried hard to do but couldn't succeed in, but that was before the Internet changed everything).

mh