Airbus plans to stop making its famous A380 airplane in 2021. It is the world's largest airliner. It was launched 12 years ago. People said it was the future of flying. Changes in how people fly mean the end for four-engine passenger planes. Airbus will stop production of the 544-seat A380 because sales are falling. Dubai's Emirates Airlines cut its A380 order by 39 planes. There will be big job losses at Airbus and other companies.
The A380 first flew in April 2005. Britain's leader called it a "symbol of economic strength". Spain's leader called it "a dream". The plane was designed to make airports less busy. However, increased air travel means airlines want twin-engine planes. These can fly non-stop to where people want to go. Four-engine planes require passengers to change at other airports. Emirates said the A380 was a "passenger magnet" and was "misunderstood" by other airlines.