Emirates brings its 19.1-year-old Airbus A380 back to passenger service
The Emirates aircraft, an Airbus A380-861 with a call sign A6-EDF, is now the world’s oldest superjumbo jet in active passenger service.
Emirates has recently revived one of its oldest Airbus A380s to active commercial service after over 5 years of extensive storage at Dubai World Central international airport. This aircraft, with a registration code A6-EDF, was manufactured in February 2006 as the seventh A380 ever built. For the operator, this was the sixth superjumbo to be delivered in 2009.
The aircraft in point undertook necessary maintenance and test flight last month before entering commercial service as EK925 from Dubai to Cairo. Media reports suggests that this aircraft is currently the oldest Airbus superjumbo jet in the world on active duty. The 6 A380s built before this aircraft are either in storage or scrapped.
Expectedly, this particular A380 features older frame and seating layout with 517 seats. The count includes 14 first-class suites, 76 business class, full-flat seats, and 427 economy seats. It is not clear whether this superjumbo boasts refurbished cabin as part of Emirates US $2 billion upgrade since 2022.
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This Airbus A380-861 is powered by four Engine Alliance GP7000 turbofan engines. Unlike the recent A380s, the older frames weigh more and engines less efficient and high-maintenance. This means that the older A380s are less economical to run for the operators.
Emirates is the largest fleet operator of Airbus A380s in the world with 116 superjumbos in its fold at present. Experts opine that the airline’s decision to bring back its oldest A380 to commercial service points to a favorable economic conditions.
They further add that the aircraft’s reintegration will begin with shorter routes to overcome certain disadvantages out of its age. The aircraft may be gradually pressed into long-haul routes later.
(With inputs from SimpleFlying.com)
