Australia’s Qantas has announced they have cancelled their remaining order for eight Airbus A380s. The 12 already in their fleet are all about to be completely refurbished and will remain in service until the end of the next decade.
This is no surprise, as Qantas have stated as far back as 2016 that they had no use for the additional aircraft in the order. Today’s announcement is the formal cancellation.
Remaining Airbus A380 Orders
The remaining order book for the Airbus A380 is shaky at best, with two orders unlikely to result in aircraft being built. “Air Accord” has three on order, but this is a company created to handle Transaero’s contract. Unfortunately Russia’s Transaero went bankrupt in October 2015.
Lessor Amadeo has twenty on firm order and it is unlikely these will be built as there is no demand the double decker. Malaysia Airlines were unable to pass on their unwanted fleet of six, while Air France are handing back the five leased aircraft out of their 10 as they don’t need them.
Speculation is mounting that Airbus is going to pull the plug on the whole Airbus A380 programme. Newer twins such as the Airbus A350 are far more popular in the market due to their money making ability.
Overall Thoughts
There have been 234 deliveries of the Airbus A380 up to the end of December 2018. Emirates have around fifty orders remaining to be filled and it is rumoured at least twenty of those are in jeopardy, maybe more.
While passengers love the comfort and quiet interior of the super jumbo, it is only efficient on certain routes. It is why just thirteen airlines around the world operate it.
What do you think is going to happen to the A380? Thank you for reading and if you have any comments or queries, please leave them below.
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Featured image by Montague Smith on Airliners.net via Wikimedia Commons.
ANA Airbus A380 via Airbus.
