Published: August 27, 2026
Summary
Qantas will begin retiring its Airbus A380 fleet in 2028, approximately four years earlier than previously planned. The Australian carrier cited the increasing maintenance expense and operational complexity of keeping the four-engine superjumbo in service as the aircraft ages and support becomes more difficult.
Qantas is now discussing converting as many as 20 existing options for Airbus A350s and Boeing 787s into firm orders beginning around 2030. Those aircraft would supplement the airline’s separate Project Sunrise fleet of specially configured A350-1000s intended for ultra-long-haul routes linking Australia directly with cities including London and New York.
The decision is another example of the broader industry transition away from very large four-engine aircraft toward smaller, highly efficient twin-engine widebodies. For Airbus and Boeing, it also creates another significant long-term fleet replacement opportunity.
FREE — AeroTime:
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Reuters:
Qantas upbeat on revenue, brings forward A380 exit as profit falls