The Uncertain Future Of The World's Biggest Aircraft

Airbus has recently admitted that the future of much heralded A380 is in doubt. Having spent up to $31 billion on the world’s largest passenger jet, its fate appears to be hanging on the purchasing decisions of one airline; the company has said it might have to shut down production of the double-decker superjumbo, with no new orders for it on its books in two years. Airbus had been expecting a significant order from Emirates in November, but the Dubai-based airline had a change of heart and ordered 40 of Boeing’s Dreamliners instead. While the Dreamliner doesn’t carry as many passengers, it has been marketed as a more efficient plane which can handle both medium and long-distance flights.

I can remember when Qantas took delivery of its first A380, almost a decade ago in a moonlight ceremony at Airbus headquarters in Toulouse, France. Named after the Australian pioneer aviatrix, Nancy-Bird Walton, the aircraft flew to Sydney via Singapore, touching down in at Kingsford Smith Airport at 9am on 21 September, 2008; to say the huge beast in the air turned heads would be an understatement. New to the market, passengers were lured by impressive design features which included more space, a quieter environment onboard, and a smoother flight turbulence wise. Airlines were also able to configure their A380s as they choose. That first Qantas superjumbo was delivered with 14 single private suites in First Class featuring a 17 inch LCD wide screen video monitor, a unique touch screen control unit, a seat that swivelled into a comfortable armchair and a fully flat, extra long and wide bed. It also featured Skybeds in Business Class, which were extra long and fully flat bed with ergonomically enhanced cushioning, and a private lounge area in the upper deck Business Class cabin complete with leather sofas and a self-service bar.

As for other airlines who purchased A380 aircraft, we all remember those “flying reimagined” television advertisements, with our very own Nicole Kidman being served drinks in The Lobby, relaxing in the First Apartment, and falling into bed in one of the three rooms of the Residence. While airlines charged a premium for travelling on the A380, and I know people who selected flights purposely because the equipment used was the double-decker aircraft, the main problem appears to be that airlines have to fly them at full capacity to make a profit, which puts them at a huge disadvantage. I got to experience the A380 for the first time on a Qantas flight from Los Angeles to Sydney a few years after it first launched, travelling in business class, and what everyone had been saying about the superjumbo was true. It is a magnificent aircraft, and a joy to travel on for all those alluring features mentioned earlier. Airbus and Emirates are still talking, and according to the Airbus sales director, John Leahy, they are probably the only airline to have the ability to take a minimum of six per year on a period of eight to 10 years - and save the aircraft. “If we can’t work out a deal with Emirates there is no choice but to shut down the programme,” he said. Which would be a terrible shame.