How to strip an airplane. Emirates and the economics of the A380
Emirates bought 29 A380 aircraft that were being used in leasing contracts in its last fiscal year. But many of these aircraft will never fly again: they will only be "cannibalized" to provide parts. The decision is part of the company's strategy to use the A380s until at least 2040, even after the production line of the aircraft model has been closed.
Emirates has purchased 29 A380 aircraft that were being used in leasing contracts, but many of these planes may never fly again, instead being "cannibalized" for parts. The airline plans to use the A380s until at least 2040, despite the rest of the industry considering the model economically unviable. Emirates currently has over 90 A380s in service and dozens more grounded, and has achieved significant financial success with its hub-and-spoke model in Dubai.
The airline reported a record annual profit of $6.2 billion in the 2025-26 fiscal year. With the A380 no longer in production, Emirates is buying used models for their parts, which have become scarce and valuable.
Written by urgent.news from Brazil Journal's report — not a translation of it. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
