The A380 was initially conceived back in the 90s, when hub-to-hub travel looked to be gaining prominence. Able to carry up to 853 passengers if configured in all-economy, the plane offered attractive economics to airlines looking to maximise limited slots at busy airports. Roomy interiors and a novelty of engineering also made it particularly popular with passengers.
The first A380 aircraft was delivered to Singapore Airlines in 2007, and there have been 14 customers for the double decker superjumbo. Emirates is the biggest operator, having taken delivery of just under half (123) of the 251 superjumbos built.
However, as the aircraft came to market, an industry shift towards lower-capacity, direct routes, coupled with the aircraft’s expensive running costs, meant it quickly fell out of favour. In February 2019, Airbus began to wind down production of the aircraft, and Emirates took delivery of the final A380 in December 2021.
The Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent global travel slowdown led many A380 operators to either place their superjumbos in storage or retire them completely. It looked like that was it for the giant aircraft.
However, as demand for flights rebounds after the pandemic at the same time as delivery delays of new aircraft, airlines are starting to take another look at the A380, and existing fleets are gradually coming back into service.
Here we round-up the latest situation regarding the A380 fleets across all 14 operators.
Denne historien er fra April 2023-utgaven av Business Traveller UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra April 2023-utgaven av Business Traveller UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
The Hotel Maria, Helsinki
The hotel introduces a new era of luxury Nordic hospitality to the Finnish capital
Casa de las Artes, Madrid
The Melia Collection’s debut in mainland Spain has an artistic wow factor
Emirates Boeing 777 business class
An updated business class cabin offers a mixed experience
Moxy Brooklyn Williamsburg
Marriott's Moxy brand debuted in Brooklyn in March 2023, marking the brand's sixth property in New York
Mercedes-Benz AMG GT 63
The roomier four-door coupé offers comfort and performance
EXTRA DAY Singapore
Explore the Lion City's fascinating heritage, food and culture
ART INNOVATOR
Hannah Brandler chats to Takashi Kudo, a member of teamLab - the international art collective from Japan
LAST ORDERS
Should we limit alcohol sales to prevent passengers behaving badly? Our columnist hopes not...
THE BIG INTERVIEW WITH DILLIP RAJAKARIER CEO MINOR HOTELS
BIOGRAPHY - Dillip Rajakarier joined Minor Hotels in 2007 as chief finance and investment officer. At the time, the group had a portfolio of 12 hotels concentrated in Southeast Asia. Since taking the reins as CEO in 2011, he has driven the company's rapid global expansion, which today includes more than 550 properties in 60 countries.
2025 Travel wish list
Looking for travel inspiration for the year ahead? We ask our team of international editors what's on their radar