4 AUGUST 2014

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Article from BTNews 4 AUGUST 2014

Skymark Airlines drops A380

Airbus has cancelled its contract with Japan's Skymark Airlines for the purchase of six A380 aircraft.

Skymark dates back to 1998 but has struggled to make a profit only going into the ‘black’ for the first time last year.  With a fleet of 30 Boeing 737-800s and three Airbus A330-300s the largest Airbus looks like being a step too far.

The news is a major setback for Airbus and the A380 aircraft line in particular.  The superjumbo has failed to attract a new airline customer for two years now, although long-time supporter Emirates did order 50 more at last year's Dubai Air Show.  Rolls-Royce also loses out with an engine deal.

To date firm commitments for the A380 stand at 318 and 19 customers with 135 delivered.  Emirates represents 140 aircraft and 50 in service to date.

Airbus has reduced A380 production to 25 units per annum, below the 30 theoretically to break even.  Forty-five units per annum were once planned.  At this rate the aircraft has a further seven years life left from an assembly point of view.  No North American airline has ordered the A380 as yet, but this could change.   www.airbus.com  www.skymark.co.jp/en

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