Airbus slows A380 output

photo by NguyenDai

Airbus unsurprisingly announced that it would lower the amount of A380 aircraft it produced this year to 14, down from 18. Originally, the company had planned to increase production this year compared with last (and still is expected to deliver 20 next year), but the weakened economy and recent scare over swine flu has had an impact on travel demand, causing airlines to defer/delay some aircraft deliveries. IATA has estimated that air traffic, which started declining back in September, fell by 11% in March. (The figures for April will be released soon.)

It's only the latest bump in the A380 program, which has not only seen cost overruns (development spending is now at $18 billion, up from the originally planned figure of $12 billion) but also substantial delays. Singapore Airlines, Qantas and Air France are expected to be among the airlines that take delivery of A380s this year. And Airbus is also scaling back production of other models, too - a move that competitors Boeing and Embraer have also followed.

British Airways orders 787, A380

British Airways announced last Thursday that it would order 12 Airbus A380s and 24 Boeing 787s, with options for 7 more A380s and 18 more 787s. The planes will be delivered between 2010 and 2014. "This is an exciting day for British Airways with our largest fleet order since 1998," said Willie Walsh, BA's chief executive. "It's great news for our business, our customers and the environment." Walsh also pointed out that the two new types are environmentally friendly and also produce a quarter of the noise of a Boeing 747-400.

BA has said that they will use the A380 to "provide more capacity for the airline's key high-density markets and [to] maximise use of scarce Heathrow slots", while the 787 will "be used to start new routes and increase frequencies in existing markets". The airline also announced that it is looking to replace the 747-400 and is looking at the 787-10, 777-300ER and A350XWB models as potential replacements.

Singapore announces first A380 commercial flight

Singapore Airlines has announced the day of the first commercial flight of the A380. The flight, SQ 380, will be on October 25, from Singapore to Sydney. ""Everyone at Singapore Airlines is keenly anticipating the delivery of this new plane, and our people are working hard on final preparation for its entry into service," said Singapore CEO Chew Choon Seng. "The first flight promises to be one of the most exciting occasions in aviation history."

All of the proceeds from ticket sales for the flight will go to charity. (Apparently, ExxonMobil is also donating fuel for the trip. ) If you're interested in purchasing a seat on either the first flight (or the first return flight the next day), you'll be able to bid for one on eBay starting August 25.