Future of Airbus A380 hinges on Emirates order

Airbus may not feel to proceed with smaller sales without Emirates deal, the people said

Airbus is working on vital sales campaigns aimed at extending the life of its flagship A380 superjumbo, with outgoing marketing chief John Leahy seeking to secure orders by the Dubai Air Show in November.

Key to the push is a requirement for 20 jets worth $8.7 billion at leading A380 customer Emirates, with follow-on orders from British Airways owner IAG , Japan’s ANA Holdings  and Thai Airways International also in the mix, according to the people, who asked not to be named as the talks are private.

Airbus may not feel that it can proceed with the smaller sales, likely