Airbus slows A380 final assembly ramp-up
Airbus has slowed its final assembly ramp-up for the A380 as it assesses customer demand for deliveries of the ultra-large airliner in 2010. But the airframer remains resolute that it sees no need for further single-aisle output cuts and could begin ramping up again by the end of next year.
Earlier this month, Airbus cut planned A380 deliveries in 2009 from 18 to 14 aircraft after recent deferrals by Qantas and other early customers, and although the A380 production ramp-up is continuing, the pace has slowed.
"We will slow down from the ramp-up plan towards the end of the year [at the start of final assembly]," says Airbus executive vice-president programmes, Tom Williams. "We were going from two a month to three; instead, we'll now go to 2.5."
© Qantas |
Williams says that despite the well-documented problems with the transition from Wave 1 to Wave 2 production standard, Airbus would probably have been able to achieve the 18 deliveries originally scheduled for this year because almost all were for existing customers and not more challenging "head-of-version" aircraft with different cabin configurations for new clients. "We've got through Wave 1 and have now got the Wave 2 issues under control," he adds.
The only 2009 delivery to a new customer will be to Air France at the end of the year, although the first Lufthansa aircraft will follow soon in 2010.
Williams says there are eight A380s in various stages of cabin furnishing in Hamburg, and 11 more in final assembly in Toulouse.
Airbus chief executive Tom Enders does not expect A380 production to need further downward adjustment, but says the impact of the slowdown on premium air travel is hurting the aircraft. "The aircraft is the flagship for A380 operators and has a lot of luxury on board, and that's where the trouble is right now."
Enders says current financing issues have also affected the A380 because it is such a high-value aircraft. "These are the reasons that have driven customers to make the [delivery] changes."
