Airbus A380 deal requires pledge to build jet for further decade

Airbus might yet win a long-anticipated A380 superjumbo order from Emirates before the end of the year, but must pledge to extend the ailing program for a further decade in order to secure the deal. Airbus had planned to announce the sale at this week’s Dubai Air Show, COO Fabrice Bregier confirmed Thursday, only for the purchase to fall through at the last minute. “We expected to sign a memorandum of understanding with Emirates, who I think we’re very close to doing that,” Bregier said. “We will need a few more weeks. If we finalise it we will be committed to producing this aircraft, I believe, for at least for the next 10 years.” Airbus is caught between its desire to extend the life of the A380, in service for only a decade, and a reluctance to give a long-term commitment to a plane that has long been struggling for sales. <br/>