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5 factors explain why the A380 is being scrapped. Does it justify it?

5 factors explain why the A380 is being scrapped. Does it justify it?

Here are a few reasons why this engineering gem is being destroyed for scrap. Does it make sense to destroy the aircraft? Check out the 5 reasons why the A380 was scrapped.

Singapore Airlines A380 delivered in 2009 being scrapped at Singapore(Opens in a new browser tab)

1.Lower seat availability.

The decreased passenger occupancy rate in the aircraft is likely to have an impact. Obviously, airlines must engage in extensive marketing to attract high-end travelers, and due to their size, must operate out of larger airports like London Heathrow, Dubai, and Singapore Changi, which has a direct impact on the cost of passengers’ tickets.

2.The cost of airplane maintenance is high.

Airworthiness authority regulations mandate certain regular checks from authorized aircraft tool shops as the A380 fleet ages. As a result of the larger size and greater number of parts on an aircraft, maintaining it takes more time, which has an adverse effect on the operations of airlines. In 2014, the Emirates conducted its first 3C-check in 55 days. Some airlines will take advantage of extended shop stays to install new interiors. However, a small number of airlines must incur high maintenance costs and operate with interruptions due to extended hanger stays.

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3.Shorter life cycle.

As aircraft age, most airlines retire them after 12 to 14 years of service. After that, they can find a second lease on life as freighter versions, which can operate for an additional 15 years. It will eventually be recycled. However, the scenario in the A380 was different.

The only reason the Boeing 747 has survived longer is that its airframe can be used for both passenger and freighter versions of the aircraft, whereas Airbus has no plans for converting any of its aircraft into freighters.

4.COVID Issues

The biggest impact on airlines is Covid. The majority of airlines ceased operations and grounded numerous aircraft, although doing so for the A380 would be more costly for more airlines as the aircraft’s operating costs and age soared. Airlines’ business has increased over the past year for COVID purposes. Airlines struggle to run the A380, and the CEO of Qatar Airways stated that there are no plans to bring the A380 back. Many airlines have sent their planes to be stored in France and other locations that are only targeted at the lower end of the market.

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5. No secondary market value

The airplane has no resale value; numerous airlines attempted to sell it to other carriers but were unsuccessful. who has a big market share but they did not want to operate it once again, just as Emirates did not want to purchase the second aircraft. As Singapore Airlines discontinued operating these four A380 aircraft in 2017, the Dr. Peter Lease Company, who provided Singapore with those aircraft, found it difficult to find a new customer for their A380. When they were unable to locate an operator, they ultimately made the decision to sell each individual part to another airline operator for a price between $30 and $50 million. thus in 2019, the airplane was disassembled.

 

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When Ratan Tata was denied entry to the airfield at the Aero India show, he waited

When Ratan Tata was denied entry to the airfield at the Aero India show, he waited

During our visit to Aero India 2019, we had the unexpected opportunity to see Ratan Tata at the event, which was a thrilling moment for us. However, there was a surprising hiccup when the security staff didn’t allow him to enter due to a lack of a security pass.

Despite this, he remained calm and patiently waited for about 20 minutes until a member of the Tata team brought him the required pass, after which he calmly proceeded inside. It was a humbling sight, showcasing his composed demeanor even in such situations.

Ratan Tata ji is not only a renowned industrialist but also a trained pilot, holding a pilot’s license. In 2007, he became the first Indian civilian to fly the F-16 Falcon during the Aero India show in Bangalore—a proud moment for the nation.

His passion for aviation extended beyond flying, as he played a key role in shaping India’s aerospace industry. Under his leadership, Tata ventured into manufacturing and maintaining aerospace components while upholding its legacy of quality. Notably, Tata’s collaboration with Airbus to develop and manufacture the C295 aircraft is a testament to its growing influence in the sector.

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