A reduction in orders by Emirates has pushed Airbus to abandon its A380 superjumbo, the world’s largest airliner. Emirates has been Airbus' main A380 customer, with 100 of the planes in its fleet. The European company had planned to challenge Boeing’s 747 but potential customers are demanding improved versions of smaller aircrafts instead. Up to 3,500 jobs could be affected and the move could generate shutdown costs of €463m ($522m). Boeing is also looking at a possible sale or lease of up to 200 jets from US carrier Delta Air Lines.
A reduction in orders by Emirates has pushed Airbus to abandon its A380 superjumbo, the world’s largest airliner. Emirates has been Airbus' main A380 customer, with 100 of the planes in its fleet. The European company had planned to challenge Boeing’s 747 but potential customers are demanding improved versions of smaller aircrafts instead. Up to 3,500 jobs could be affected and the move could generate shutdown costs of €463m ($522m). Airbus said it would make 17 more A380s including 14 for Emirates, with the last being delivered in 2021, and would support A380s still in service.