Decommissioned in March 2020, the A380 registration A6-EDA was the first jet of the model to be delivered by Airbus to Emirates Airline. The carrier, the largest operator of the aircraft in the world, decided to recycle it in order to reduce the environmental impact of its dismantling.
To this end, Emirates signed an agreement with Falcon Aircraft Recycling, a company located in the Emirates and which will do the work of dismantling the retired planes in order to reuse most of the structure and its components.
The goal is to take cabin items like the famous bar and sell them as memorabilia to aviation fans. Part of the profits will go to the foundation maintained by the airline.
“We are delighted to partner with Falcon Aircraft Recycling on this first-of-its-kind project. That all repurposing activity will be fully executed in the UAE also speaks to the strong aviation eco-system and capabilities that the nation has built up in its short history,” said Sir Tim Clark, president of the airline.
“Through this initiative, our customers and fans can take home a piece of aviation history while saving valuable materials from landfill and contributing to a charitable cause through the Emirates Airline Foundation. It’s an elegant and fitting retirement solution for this iconic aircraft and our flagship,” concluded the executive.
Before being scrapped, the A380 A6-EDA had useful components such as engines, landing gear and flight controls removed for use in other aircraft. Falcon will have support from Wings Craft to produce and market items to be sold in the coming months.
Here are some facts about the A380 A6-EDA:
Delivered from Airbus’ Hamburg facility on: 28 July 2008
First commercial flight: Dubai-New York JFK on 01 August 2008
Last commercial flight: Singapore-Dubai on 08 March 2020
Total number of flights: 6,319
Airports visited: 62
