Following slashed orders from Emirates, aircraft manufacturer Airbus announced it will deliver its final Airbus A380 aircraft in 2021.

The cease of production follows Emirates’ order reduction from 162 to 123 aircraft. A lack of a backlog with other airlines also led to the decision. In addition to cutting orders of A380s, Emirates ordered 40 A330-900 and 30 A350-900 aircraft.

“As a result of this decision we have no substantial A380 backlog and hence no basis to sustain production, despite all our sales efforts with other airlines in recent years. This leads to the end of A380 deliveries in 2021,” said Tom Enders, CEO, Airbus.

Emirates will receive 14 more A380s through 2021.

Production ending means 3,000–5,000 jobs are uncertain over the next three years. Ramping production on other aircraft will give many internal employees chances for mobility, the aircraft producer said in a statement.

“The A380 is not only an outstanding engineering and industrial achievement. Passengers all over the world love to fly on this great aircraft. Hence today’s announcement is painful for us and the A380 communities worldwide,” Enders said.

The new deal between Emirates and Airbus is worth $21.4 billion. Airbus is expected to deliver the new A330neos by 2021, and the A350s by 2024.

“The A380 will remain a pillar of our fleet well into the 2030s, and as we have always done, Emirates will continue to invest in our onboard product and services so our customers can be assured that the Emirates A380 experience will always be top-notch,” said Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and chief executive, Emirates Airline and Group.

A380 aircraft made its commercial debut in October 2007. There are 232 aircraft in operation across 14 airlines, including Singapore Airlines, Emirates and Korean Air.

Have you ever flown on an A380? Will you miss the aircraft when it is totally phased out? Tell us. Email us at letters@globaltravelerusa.com. Please include your full name and location.