As the aviation industry continues to change and adapt to the impact of the global health crisis, the fate of the A380 has been ‘up in the air’ for a number of airlines. While Air France was the first to commit to the type’s retirement at the onset of the crisis, other carriers have chosen to monitor the situation. Let’s look at the airlines holding on tight to their superjumbos as of August 2021.
Who is holding on to the A380 (for now)?
All Nippon Airways (ANA): Earlier this month, ANA flew the first A380 it received, JA381A, to Honolulu. This marked the first time the jet had operated the route in over a year. The airline has since reactivated its 2nd A380 (JA382A) for this route. The airline’s third and final A380 has yet to be delivered.
British Airways: The airline’s CEO has been quite vocal about his airline’s commitment to the A380. This was clearly expressed with the signing of a maintenance contract with Lufthansa Technik for at least five years.
China Southern: This airline has been quietly operating its five superjumbos throughout much of the crisis. However, remarks made by an airline executive in April indicate that China Southern is trying to figure out the right time to retire this fleet.
Emirates: This Middle Eastern carrier is undoubtedly committed to the A380 and will operate the type into the 2030s. It is set to take delivery of the very last A380 ever produced sometime next year.
Korean Air (and Asiana): CEO Walter Cho recently confirmed that Korean Air would retire the A380 within five years. This will also include the six belonging to Asiana Airlines as the two parties work towards a merger.
Qantas: The airline’s CEO has expressed his faith in the superjumbo and its eventual return to service. While the Qantas A380 fleet mainly sits in long-term storage, the jets have been moving back and forth between various sites for maintenance and refurbishment.
Qatar Airways: Despite calling the A380 his airline’s “biggest mistake,” CEO Akbar al-Baker has hinted that Qatar Airways could fly five of its 10 superjumbos again.
Singapore Airlines: The Southeast Asian carrier is bringing some of its jets ‘home’ to Singapore from long-term storage in the Australian desert. The airline intends to bring the type back into service once demand allows and has even refurbished the type’s cabins.
Who’s not coming back?
The list of A380 operators is getting smaller with each fiscal quarter that passes. To date, we’ve seen the following carriers take quite firm stances against bringing back their A380s:
Air France: As mentioned previously, this carrier was the first to remove its A380s from service.
Etihad: The carrier’s CEO has publicly stated that the type won’t return. Any mention of the aircraft has been removed from the Etihad website.
Hi Fly: After briefly being modified for cargo-only operations, the wet lease operator’s lone A380 was taken out of service.
Lufthansa: Despite some recent rumors, the airline’s CEO has repeatedly stated that the type is gone for good.
Malaysia Airlines: The carrier stated early this year that its A380s would not return. Indeed, it has put all six of its superjumbos up for sale.
Thai Airways: Reports earlier this year suggested that the carrier would remove the A380 from service completely. This would make sense given the airline’s financial struggles and desire to slim down its operations.
Do you think any operators will have a “change of heart” one way or another? Are you optimistic about the remaining A380 operators or do you think more airlines will change their minds? Let us know by leaving a comment.
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