The A380 has become an icon in aviation. The largest passenger aircraft ever made, it was intended to relieve congestion at the largest airports in the world. In recent years, however, the A380 has become a giant aircraft limping from year to year. With new reports coming from Emirates and Qantas, it only seems likely that the A380's production days are coming to an end. The first A380s are also being scrapped. However, the end of the A380 could be good for Airbus.

ANA Honu Livery
ANA is one of the last A380 customers. Image: ANA

The A380 was kept alive by one airline: Emirates. In that process, the A380 really became about what Emirates wanted. In theory, the practice is great as one aircraft can be completely tailored to an airline and their market. In reality, Airbus becomes completely reliant on Emirates for orders.

While other airlines do operate the A380, they are not as invested in the program as Emirates. Emirates has over 100 A380s in their fleet with another 50 or so on order.

A reduction in A380s in favor of 787 Dreamliners could help Etihad turn a profit. Photo: Etihad

The A380 is also operated by Emirates' competitors Etihad and Qatar Airways. Neither Etihad nor Qatar Airways looks to be interested in acquiring more A380s. Given that Qatar Airways has been one of the most aggressive airlines in terms of route network expansion, this is not a good sign for the A380.

Singapore Airlines and Qantas also operate A380s. However, Singapore Airlines is not looking to fly A380s long-term as was shown with their recent return of the A380. In addition, Qantas canceled the remaining 8 A380s they had on order.

Air France wants to dispose of 50% of their A380 fleet. Lufthansa is not ordering any new A380s. Asiana, Thai, Malaysia, China Southern, and Korean Air also do not seem interested in acquiring more A380s. ANA will only operate 3 A380s.

Qantas recently canceled their 8 remaining A380s on order. Photo: Airbus

Airbus does not have a customer base to market the A380s to. Unless you count British Airways, but that would not be economically feasible for Airbus. Even if they logged an order from British Airways, it would have to be at a price much lower than Airbus would need to help turn a profit.

The A380 is a noticeable plane and a favorite among fans. However, the popularity of aviation geeks and passengers has not necessarily led to more people traveling on the A380.

British Airways A380
British Airways currently operates 12 A380 aircraft. Photo: British Airways

Airbus is still trying to sell the aircraft. Airbus is still trying to make the A380 more appealing with improvements and configurations like the A380plus.

It has been commonly stated that the A380 program is on life support. Most will agree that the future of the A380 seems to be coming to a close with no new customers. Even now, Airbus has to dedicate resources to the program. By continuing to build the aircraft, market the aircraft, and redesign the aircraft, the costs keep mounting for Airbus. Those costs, however, could be outweighed should Airbus end the A380.

Airbus can use those resources and dedicate them towards marketing the slow-selling A330neo, continue to draw airlines towards the A320neo and A350. Furthermore, as Boeing evaluates the 797, Airbus can increase the speed in which they retool and offer the A330-800 and the A321XLR in an attempt to draw early customers away from the 797.

TAP A330 Neo
The A330neo could help Airbus gain a foothold in the middle of the market aircraft. Photo: Airbus

Airbus has recently lost ground to Boeing in sales. There is definitely room for improvement at Airbus. By streamlining their offering of products, Airbus can more effectively offer more resources to their aircraft lines to attract more customers.

Whether or not the 777X killed the A380 is still up for debate. But one thing is certain, Airbus should seriously consider terminating the A380 production line. There is so much potential for Airbus to become the order king with more resources devoted to improving current successful (or almost successful) product lines.

If you're a fan of the A380, don't worry. Most A380s are pretty young and will still be flying for some years to come before their replacement cycles start to kick in. While it is upsetting from an aviation geek standpoint that the A380 wasn't a massive success, there is so much Airbus can learn from their A380 gamble as they look to the future.

What are your thoughts? Should Airbus end the A380 production?