Report: Airbus Plans to Shutter A380 Program Unless Emirates Orders More
It's an open secret in the aviation world that the Airbus A380 program is on life support. Since early 2014, Airbus has only secured orders for just five more examples of its behemoth four-engine aircraft. Over the same time, it's gotten cancellations notices for nine that were previously ordered. That's a net of negative four aircraft orders in four years.
Programs such as the manufacturer's "I Fly A380" initiative have failed to drive enough A380-specific demand for the aircraft to keep the airline orders coming. The original A380 aircraft has been retired by Singapore Airlines after just 10 years of service.
Now, it seems that the end of the A380 is getting closer and closer to being a reality. Citing three sources familiar with the matter, Reuters reports that Airbus is planning to shut down production of A380 unless it can secure another large order from Emirates. Already Airbus' largest A380 customer, Emirates recently took delivery of its 100th A380 and currently operates 101 of the 221 A380s in the skies today.
Both Airbus and Emirates have declined to comment on the Reuters report.
What is known is that Airbus is going to slow down its already-slow Airbus A380 manufacturing schedule:
- 12 aircraft in 2018
- 8 aircraft in 2019
- 6 aircraft in 2020 and each year afterward
Presumably, this slowdown is designed to stretch out the last 96 unfilled orders — 47 of which analysts believe will be cancelled — long enough to hopefully score more orders to extend the program's life.
This report has the potential to become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Emirates has expressed concerns about ordering more A380s if the aircraft manufacturer doesn't continue to produce the aircraft for other airlines.
Once the eventual A380 manufacturing shutdown occurs, it'll become increasingly difficult for Emirates to maintain the 142 A380s that it's ordered and presumably wants to operate — or sell for a reasonable price. The Dubai-based carrier's doubts are surely not going to be soothed by news that it's the only lifeline the A380 has.
Another possibility is that this report could lead Emirates to double-down by ordering more A380s, hoping to prolong the program long enough for other airlines to come around to it. Airlines are currently ordering more "long and thin" aircraft like Boeing's 787 Dreamliner and the Airbus A350. But, as air traffic continues to rise, the A380 could once again become a viable option for airlines looking to move tons of people from point A to point B.
We still don't know exactly how this will play out, but for now, things aren't looking good for the A380. We certainly hope the A380 program will continue on for many more years, but with the fate of the program seemingly in Emirates' hands, it could very easily "pull the plug" on the aircraft.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 3X | Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Delta SkyClub access when flying Delta
- Annual companion ticket for travel on Delta (upon renewal)
- Ability to earn MQDs through spending
- Various statement credits for eligible purchases
Cons
- Steep annual fee of $650
- Other Delta cobranded cards offer superior earning categories
- Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 or more in purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership and an additional 25,000 bonus miles after you make an additional $3,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months, starting from the date that your account is opened. Offer Ends 04/01/2026.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits per Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta and can unlock an unlimited number of Visits after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you’ll receive four One-Time Guest Passes each Medallion Year so you can share the experience with family and friends when traveling Delta together.
- Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. and select international locations (as set forth on the Centurion Lounge Website), Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. (see the Centurion Lounge Website for more information on Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge availability), and Escape Lounges when flying on a Delta flight booked with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. § To access Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 90 minutes of their departing flight (including layovers). To access The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 3 hours of their departing flight. Effective July 8, 2026, during a layover, Card Members must arrive within 5 hours of the connecting flight.
- Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.
- Enjoy a Companion Certificate on a Delta First, Delta Comfort, or Delta Main round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.
- $240 Resy Credit: When you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits. Enrollment required.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- With your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, receive upgrade priority over others with the same Medallion tier, product and fare experience purchased, and Million Miler milestone when you fly with Delta.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees