Today is a historical and sad day for A380 fans, Airbus has just delivered the last A380 MSN272 to customer Emirates Airline. In total, 251 A380’s have been built.
The new aircraft, registered as A6-EVS, is Emirate’s 123rd Airbus A380 superjumbo jet. It is also the final A380 aircraft to join the Emirates’ fleet.
Since the first A380 took to the sky, the A380 has continued to capture imaginations, generate excitement wherever it operates and attract traveller preference for its quiet, spacious and comfortable interiors.
No celebrations planned
Airbus rejected the idea of celebrating the end of a program, with the pandemic situation in Germany making it difficult to host an event.
A6-EVS took off around 4:41pm local time on 16th December in Hamburg Finkenwerder, after a circuit, she came back and performed a go around to say goodbye to her birth place. End of an era.
Tribute to the A380 Aircraft
Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline, said: “The A380 is a truly special aircraft in so many ways. For Emirates it gave us the opportunity to redefine the travel experience, efficiently serve demand at slot-constrained airports and bolster our network growth. The A380 will remain Emirates’ flagship product for the coming years, and a vital pillar of our network plans.
“We’d like to thank Airbus and all of our programme partners for enabling us to push the envelope to introduce many innovative ‘industry firsts’ and, importantly, deliver the best product for Emirates’ customers.”
“The A380 has touched the lives of so many passengers by setting new standards in terms of flying and travel experience. I’m confident that it will continue to do so for decades to come with Emirates, which has continuously introduced new services and products allowing passengers around the world to experience the unique features of their A380s,” said Guillaume Faury, Airbus CEO.
“On behalf of all Airbus teams, I would like to use this delivery milestone to warmly thank Emirates Airline – the biggest A380 operator in the world – for their unwavering trust and partnership. Here’s to many more happy landings!”
Guillaume Faury, Airbus CEO
Latest 4 Class Configuration Inside the A380
The latest Emirates A380 to be delivered features the airline’s latest signature products onboard, including First Class Private Suites and Shower Spas, the highly popular A380 Onboard Bar, its new Premium Economy cabin and the latest inflight entertainment systems.
Emirates was the first airline to announce an order for the A380 at the 2000 Farnborough Air Show, when the aircraft was still marketed as the A3XX. This was followed with a firm commitment and additional order for 15 more units at the 2001 Dubai Air Show, a bold statement just 6 weeks after the events of 9/11 challenged the industry like never before.
At the 2021 Dubai Airshow in November, Emirates also announced a major retrofit programme which will see 52 of its existing A380 aircraft fitted with Premium Economy cabins and other enhancements.
Emirates has retired their first ever A380 aircraft, A6-EDA. The aircraft will be upcycled and turned into furniture and memorabilia collectibles for aviation enthusiasts.
I cannot believe only after what a decade of use lets say and another still it could operate for, its already being crushed? <Maybe the refurbishment costs as of its size was not worth it! I still feel alot of these grounded A380's will be desired again in times too come for certain routes ,high tourist routes in summer periods say.Orlando from the UK!
I feel Lufthansa will take more back on ! Air France?? Not sure on.
Korean and Asiana merger?? Now that will be interesting to see! I always was very surprised Cathay pacific never took them on! Though i am sure they are over the moon as of that right now as of the problems they are in with heavy competition from Chinese airlines in the region!!
Alas cargo conversion?
Atleast a few airlines will be using these beats for another decade or so for us to travel in comfort on,especially longhaul and for economy passengers the most! Way better than B787 longhaul!!
G.
Hi Sam,
Thank you so much for your detailed review and comments on what happened with the A380. Yes, I did have the experience of flying this super jumbo from Dubai to London and return back in 2013. Even though I flew economy class, the journey was very comfortable. The best part I loved was the smooth take-off and landing, which I only experienced in the 747 that I flew from Mumbai to Liberty International (Newark) in 2011.
The experience of flying A380 with Emirates has been a great one and I do look forward to the journey with them. Sad to know that the production is coming to a halt, but I am sure this Super Jumbo will glitter up the sky for years to come.
Very nice narration Mr. Sam Chui. keep it up. We never know the world might in a need of A380 in the future. And I still wait for a chance to travel with this huge machine.
Bravo, M. Sam Chui and all of your team, for the highly appreciated tribute to the last ever built A-380 ! Bravo also for the very well documented report about the gems found by french climber in the Mont Blanc area 55 years after the Air India B.707 crash. At last, another bravo for the rare quality of every of your posts !