Airbus is dismantling two Airbus A380 aircraft retired from Lufthansa’s fleet for spare parts. This move will play a critical role in extending the operational life of the A380 fleet.
The aircraft manufacturer has sent two previously operated Airbus A380s, formerly part of Lufthansa’s fleet, for dismantling. Registered as D-AIME and D-AIMF, these aircraft served with the German flag carrier from 2011 to 2020.
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, Lufthansa grounded its entire A380 fleet, reactivating only eight of the 14 aircraft. Of the remaining six, which were sold to Airbus, two have now officially entered the dismantling process.
VAS Aero Services to Oversee Dismantling
Airbus plans to use these two giant aircraft as sources of spare parts. The dismantling process aims to recover components that can be reused for maintenance and repair of other A380s still in operation. The process will be carried out by VAS Aero Services.
The same company will also be responsible for dismantling another A380, registered as 9M-MNC, which was retired from the Malaysia Airlines fleet. VAS Aero Services states that it has dismantled a total of 10 A380 aircraft to date and has experience in this field.
Rising Demand for Used Parts
As some airlines ramp up A380 operations post-pandemic and delays continue in the delivery of new-generation long-haul aircraft, the demand for used spare parts is growing. This makes Airbus’s move strategically significant.
The dismantled A380s, repurposed as spare parts, will help extend the operational lifespan of the current A380 fleet. In this way, these retired aircraft will enable other active A380s to remain in the skies longer.
