Speaking to Reuters, Emirates president Tim Clark said that the airline is seeking a guarantee from Airbus that it will keep production of the A380 open for at least 10 years before it will place another order. Clark confirmed that talks continued but the ball is in Airbus’ court. The Reuters article acknowledges the fact that the Airbus board would have to approve such an undertaking and so an order for the A380 at the airshow is now unlikely.
“I think the ownership here are concerned about continuation (of the A380). They need some copper-bottom guarantees that if we do buy some more, then the line will be continued for a minimum period of years and that they are fully aware of the consequences of cancellation and leaving us high and dry,” Clark is quoted by Reuters. “Those assurances I am sure will come. Quite when, I don’t quite know.”