Since Airbus ceased production permanently on its A380 aircraft program, the subsequent period has seen the majority of the superjumbo's airline operators announcing retirement strategies.
However, this year some carriers have surprisingly announced plans to reactivate the aircraft after a rebound in international travel. Many A380 aircraft had been placed into long-term storage since the outbreak of COVID-19.
Airlines reactivating more of their A380s include Singapore Airlines, which has already brought some additional A380s back along with Qantas, which has so far returned three of its 10 A380s to service. German carrier Lufthansa also plans to return some A380 aircraft to service for summer 2023. However, the airline has yet to announce how many of its 14 A380s will fly again.
The data below illustrates the spike in aircraft returning to service from this year and into 2023 and 2024. Beyond then, it shows the expected retirement rate increases for the A380.
Source: Aviation Week Intelligence Network Commercial Aviation 2022 Fleet & MRO Forecast
Related Content
Comments