Key facts
- The Airbus A380, the world's largest passenger jet, is still in operation on various global routes.
- Emirates is the largest operator of the A380, with 117 aircraft in its fleet.
- As of September, 85 of Emirates' A380s were actively flying.
- British Airways operates 12 Airbus A380s, with some undergoing maintenance or in storage.
- Airbus built the last new A380 in 2021.
The Airbus A380, a double-decker superjumbo jet, continues to fly on select routes despite a turbulent history since its 2007 entry into service. Initially envisioned for high-demand airport megahubs, its popularity waned as airlines favored more flexible, cost-efficient twin-jet aircraft. The COVID-19 pandemic further prompted some carriers, like Air France and Malaysia Airlines, to retire their A380 fleets entirely. Airbus built the last new A380 in 2021.
However, the superjumbo has seen a resurgence in popularity post-lockdowns. Lufthansa has brought back eight of its 14 A380s, and Etihad Airways reactivated six. Qantas also resumed A380 flights, though it has since accelerated its retirement plans for the aircraft to 2028.
Emirates remains the dominant operator of the A380, with 117 aircraft in its fleet. As of September, 85 were actively flying, 13 were in storage, and 19 were undergoing maintenance. The airline's A380s offer luxurious amenities, including a bar and showers for business-class passengers. Emirates operates the A380 on a wide array of routes from Dubai to cities across Asia, Europe, Africa, North America, and Australia. It also operates three fifth-freedom routes with the A380.
British Airways operates 12 A380s, with some currently in storage or undergoing maintenance as part of a transformation program.