airplane maker Airbus has announced plans to cease production of its A380 aircraft. iconic A380 is world's largest passenger airplane and has been in service for 12 years. When it was launched, it was heralded as future of aviation. However, changes in demands of passengers mean days of giant, four-engine passenger planes are over. Airbus decided to call halt to production of the 544-seat A380 due to weaker than expected sales. The nail in coffin was when the Dubai-based Emirates Airline cut its A380 order by 39 planes. Airbus said it would stop building A380 in 2021. This will result in significant job losses at companies linked to plane's manufacture.
A380 embarked on its inaugural flight in April 2005 to great fanfare. Then British Prime Minister Tony Blair called the giant jet "symbol of economic strength". His Spanish counterpart called plane "the realization of dream". plane was designed to combat congestion at airports by reducing number of planes needed in skies. However, booming air travel has generated higher demand for twin-engine planes that can fly non-stop to where people want to travel. Giant, four-engine jets usually require passengers to transit at hub airports. Emirates spokesperson said the A380 was "passenger magnet" that was misunderstood and badly marketed by other airlines.
