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Airbus to end production of A380 airplane

Airbus A380 - Level 4

Airbus plans to stop making its famous A380 airplane in 2021. It is the world's largest airliner. It was launched 12 years ago. People said it was the future of flying. Changes in how people fly mean the end for four-engine passenger planes. Airbus will stop production of the 544-seat A380 because sales are falling. Dubai's Emirates Airlines cut its A380 order by 39 planes. There will be big job losses at Airbus and other companies.

The A380 first flew in April 2005. Britain's leader called it a "symbol of economic strength". Spain's leader called it "a dream". The plane was designed to make airports less busy. However, increased air travel means airlines want twin-engine planes. These can fly non-stop to where people want to go. Four-engine planes require passengers to change at other airports. Emirates said the A380 was a "passenger magnet" and was "misunderstood" by other airlines.

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Airbus A380 - Level 5

The airplane maker Airbus plans to cease production of its famous A380 aircraft. It is the world's largest passenger airplane. When it was launched 12 years ago, people said it was the future of aviation. However, changes in how people fly mean the days of four-engine passenger planes are over. Airbus decided to stop production of the 544-seat A380 because of falling sales. The end came when Dubai's Emirates Airlines cut its A380 order by 39 planes. Airbus will stop building the A380 in 2021. There will be big job losses at companies that help make the plane.

The A380 first flew in April 2005. The British Prime Minister Tony Blair called it a "symbol of economic strength". Spain's leader said the plane was "a dream". The plane was designed to help cut the number of planes at busy airports. However, increased air travel means there is more demand for twin-engine planes that can fly non-stop to where people want to go. Four-engine planes usually require passengers to change at hub airports. An Emirates spokesperson said the A380 was a "passenger magnet". He said the plane was badly marketed by other airlines.

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Airbus A380 - Level 6

The airplane maker Airbus has announced plans to cease production of its A380 aircraft. The iconic A380 is the world's largest passenger airplane and has been in service for 12 years. When it was launched, it was heralded as the future of aviation. However, changes in the demands of passengers mean the days of giant, four-engine passenger planes are over. Airbus decided to call a halt to production of the 544-seat A380 due to weaker than expected sales. The nail in the coffin was when the Dubai-based Emirates Airline cut its A380 order by 39 planes. Airbus said it would stop building the A380 in 2021. This will result in significant job losses at companies linked to the plane's manufacture.

The A380 embarked on its inaugural flight in April 2005 to great fanfare. Then British Prime Minister Tony Blair called the giant jet a "symbol of economic strength". His Spanish counterpart called the plane "the realization of a dream". The plane was designed to combat congestion at airports by reducing the number of planes needed in the skies. However, booming air travel has generated a 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. An Emirates spokesperson said the A380 was a "passenger magnet" that was misunderstood and badly marketed by other airlines.

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