The Airbus A380 superjumbo is close to the end of its production run, after demand has switched to smaller jets.
Emirates is seeking to cancel the last five of their final eight A380 deliveries; with manufacturer Airbus pushing back because the planes are already in assembly, according to Bloomberg.
According to Bloomberg, Emirates plans to take three more of the double-deckers before the end of their fiscal year next March; however they dont want the remaining five, according to people who have asked not to be named as the talks are private. Airbus is proposing a deferral of deliveries or payments, the people said.
Emirates said it remains “in regular dialog with Airbus” regarding fleet requirements and doesn’t comment on commercial discussions. Airbus declined to comment, saying talks with customers are confidential.
Speculation is mounting that Emirates could permanently decommission up to 40% of their A380 fleet.
The news comes a week after Emirates President Sir Tim Clark said “the A380 is over” and that the airline would be 20-30 percent smaller as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Another Blow to the A380
The news came after Air France announcement to permanently retire their 9 A380s today. Lufthansa has also announced that they will only operate 7 of the 15 A380s in their fleet after the pandemic.
Article Source: Bloomberg