Airbus is to cut A380 production to just 12 from 2018

Airbus has said it is to slash planned production of the flagship A380 superjumbo to 12 from 2018, down from 27 aircraft in 2015.

Officials announced at the Farnborough Airshow today production will be reduced in 2017 to 20 aircraft, additional cost reduction initiatives will be implemented to achieve breakeven point however, with a target of just 12 in 2018 there is a risk the A380 program will return to red.

Sales of the superjumbo have been hit by more efficient models like the A350, Virgin signed a deal on Monday to purchase 12 of the wide body jets worth $4.3bn

Speculation around the order suggests a long standing Virgin order for six A380’s will eventually be shelved by the UK based airline.

In a statement Airbus said:

Today every three minutes an A380 takes off or lands. In 2016, 14 aircraft have been delivered so far and underlines a stable production performance with the backlog standing at 126.

“With this prudent, proactive step we are establishing a new target for our industrial planning, meeting current commercial demand but keeping all our options open to benefit from future A380 markets, which we consider in the environment of ongoing aviation growth and constrained airport capacity as a given,” says Fabrice Brégier, Airbus President & CEO.

“We are maintaining, innovating and investing in the A380, keeping the aircraft the favourite of passengers, the airlines and airports – today and in the future. The A380 is here to stay!”

The 193 A380s in operation today are serving 38 of the 55 global aviation megacities.