Airbus to cut A380 assembly rate to one aircraft per month from 2017
[PARIS] Airbus plans to slow the assembly rate of its A380 superjumbo to one aircraft per month from next year, the head of the A380 programme told Le Figaro, as the European planemaker struggles to revive sales of the world's largest passenger jet.
"This decision allows us to smooth our deliveries pending new orders," Alain Flourens told the French newspaper.
The assembly rate for the A380 currently stands at 2.5 aircraft per month.
Airbus has said the double-decker is still attractive because it believes it helps to solve airport congestion and growing air traffic.
But sales of large four-engine airliners like the 544-seat A380 have been hit hard by improvements in the range and efficiency of smaller two-engined models, which can be easier to fill.
"The A380 still has a place in the Airbus product portfolio," Mr Flourens said, adding that Airbus plans to improve the plane's efficiency.
REUTERS
BT is now on Telegram!
For daily updates on weekdays and specially selected content for the weekend. Subscribe to t.me/BizTimes
Transport & Logistics
Tesla profits tumble but shares rise on new vehicle plan
Volvo Cars see good demand this year after higher Q1 unit sales
Capital A chief Fernandes defers retirement, renews contract for five years
Victims’ families to urge US prosecute Boeing over fatal crashes
Tesla could start selling Optimus robots by the end of next year, Musk says
FAA probes union claims Boeing retaliated against two engineers in 2022