Spurned by airlines, the first Airbus A380 is stripped for parts
Sydney — A German investment company said on Tuesday it would strip two unwanted Airbus A380 superjumbo jets for parts after failing to find an airline willing to keep them flying following a decision by Singapore Airlines not to keep them in service. The decision by Dortmund-based Dr Peters Group deals a blow to the aircraft maker’s efforts to maintain market interest in the double-decker, barely 10 years after it went into service, hailed by heads of state as a symbol of European ambition. "Psychologically it is not good for Airbus, but this is a very large aircraft with a very small second-hand market," said UK-based aerospace analyst Howard Wheeldon. Airbus did not respond to a request for comment. 'It’s too big' Despite strong reviews for its quiet and spacious cabin, demand for the 544-seater has fallen as many airlines drop the industry’s largest four-engined aircraft in favour of smaller twin-engined ones that are more efficient, and easier to fill. "It’s too big. There was ...
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