Qantas starts retiring A380 superjumbos in 2028
Qantas will begin retiring its fleet of 10 A380 double-deck jets starting in 2028, citing maintenance and fuel costs.
Qantas is winding down its A380 fleet. The airline will begin retiring all 10 superjumbos in 2028, four years earlier than planned.
The reason is rising maintenance and fuel costs. The decision reflects a broader decline of the world's largest passenger jet: only 171 A380s remain in service globally today, down from more than 230 in the late 2010s.
Airbus stopped making the aircraft in 2021 when orders dried up. The A380 was beloved by passengers for its spacious double-deck cabin and its renowned level of stability and comfort.
But newer, smaller jets are now more fuel-efficient and profitable for most airlines.
- 10 A380s
- Qantas fleet size
- 2028
- Retirement start date
- 171 A380s
- Global fleet today
- 230+ aircraft in late 2010s
- Peak global fleet
Why it mattersThe A380's exit signals the end of an era in luxury air travel and reflects how airlines now prioritize fuel efficiency over the prestige of massive aircraft.
AustraliaAustralian frequent flyers will lose access to one of the most spacious and comfortable long-haul aircraft on Qantas's international routes within two years.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 11 d ago
