Publications
Publications
- October 2019
- HBS Case Collection
Airbus vs. Boeing (L): Discontinuing the A380 (February 2019)
By: Ramon Casadesus-Masanell and Karen Elterman
Abstract
This case describes Airbus’ February 2019 announcement that it was ending production of the A380, with the last delivery scheduled for 2021. The announcement followed an order cancellation by Emirates, a major customer of the A380. The A380 had faced significant competition from Boeing’s Dreamliner, and airlines had difficulty filling their A380s enough to make them fuel efficient and cost effective. Since the plane’s launch, Airbus had sold far fewer A380s than it initially predicted.
Keywords
Product Development; Air Transportation; Projects; Competition; Air Transportation Industry; Manufacturing Industry; United States; Europe
Citation
Casadesus-Masanell, Ramon, and Karen Elterman. "Airbus vs. Boeing (L): Discontinuing the A380 (February 2019)." Harvard Business School Supplement 720-387, October 2019.