TOULOUSE – February 14, 2019. Emirates has decided to reduce its A380 orderbook from 162 to 123 aircraft, after reviewing its operations. The developments in aircraft and engine technologies causes the airline to take this well thought decision, after keeping the A380 programme alive for the past years, while other airlines already chose to go for smaller aircraft with 2 engines, like the A350 and B787.

Emirates will take delivery of 14 further A380s over the next two years. As a consequence, Airbus will end deliveries of the A380 in 2021. Airbus decided to close A380 production after only 12 years in service due to weak sales.

Emirates is going to continue growing with Airbus’ newest generation – flexible widebody aircraft – by ordering 40 A330-900 and 30 A350-900 aircraft.

Airbus will start discussions with its social partners in the next few weeks regarding the 3,000 to 3,500 positions potentially impacted over the next three years. However, the ongoing A320 ramp-up and the new widebody order from Emirates will offer a significant number of internal mobility opportunities.