Airbus A380 sales plummeting as airlines look to more efficient alternatives

The A380 initially received a host of interest from airlines, but as they look to cut costs they prefer to go with more efficent aircraft.

The luxurious plane's first-class cabins had private showers with in flight bartenders preparing fresh cocktails, as well as a staircase between two levels.

The luxurious plane's first-class cabins had private showers with in flight bartenders

However, not a single one has been sold to American carriers since its debut in the market 9 years ago.

Emirates is the company's biggest client in this regard, and without the middle-eastern airline's business it's difficult to see how the A380 could remain a profitable part of Airbus's fleet.

Only 193 have been made thus far, with a further 126 in the pipeline, as carriers seek to become more efficient due to strict regulations regarding emissions.

The A380 is available at a cool $433mn, but "almost always sells at a discount," Bloomberg says.

The financial crisis of 2008 did untold damage to the sector, just as production looked to be on the increase. The steep rise in oil prices mae carriers fearful of the machine, which has four engines.

Airbus have said that 10 years is not enough to call time on such a large project, and have plans to develop it further.

The financial crisis of 2008 did untold damage to the sector

“The A380 is here to stay,” sales boss John Leahy says. “We are maintaining, innovating, and investing in it.”

It has been difficult to sell aircraft with four engines, as evidenced in 2011 by the scrapping of the Airbus A340, and the movement towards smaller planes which consume less fuel, including the Airbus A330 and the Boeing 777.

An aviation consultant for Teal Group has said that the craft will be discontinued in the near future.

Richard Aboulafia reckons enthusiasm for the project is waning. "The A380 might just make it until 2020, but even that's almost optimistic at this point," he said.