#superjumbo

Airbus A380 Qatar Airways

Registration: A7-APG Type: A380-861 Engines: 4 × GP7270E Serial Number: 193 First flight: Jun 6, 2016

Qatar Airways' decision to acquire the Airbus A380 was made in the context of a large-scale fleet modernization program that unfolded in the first decade of the 21st century. An order for ten aircraft was placed at the Le Bourget Air Show in 2007. By 2018, all ten Airbus A380s had taken their place in the airline's fleet.

The operation of Airbus A380s at Qatar Airways was deployed on strategically important long-haul routes with high passenger traffic intensity. Among the priority routes were flights to London – one of the airline's busiest routes. Paris became another European destination where Qatar Airways actively utilized its A380s. In the Asia-Pacific region, A380s operated on routes to Bangkok, Guangzhou and, most notably, to Sydney and Melbourne – Australian metropolises that traditionally see high demand from travelers around the world.

The year 2020 became a severe test of resilience for the entire global aviation industry. The COVID-19 pandemic devastated passenger traffic, closed borders and called into question the very model of super-large wide-body aircraft. Qatar Airways' management repeatedly expressed skepticism about the prospects of four-engine giants during the height of the pandemic.

But the story of the Qatari "Super Jumbos" was not quick to end – a new chapter awaited. As international air travel recovered in 2022-2023, Qatar Airways faced an unexpected situation: demand on certain key routes not only recovered but exceeded pre-pandemic levels. A global tourism boom, pent-up demand for business travel, and the hosting of the FIFA 2022 World Cup in Qatar created conditions under which the large capacity of the A380 once again made economic sense.

Of the original fleet of ten aircraft, two did indeed leave the airline. However, the remaining eight A380s were returned to active service, proving Qatar Airways' ability to adapt to changing conditions.

Airbus A380 Asiana Airlines

Registration: HL7634 Type: A380-841 Engines: 4 × RR Trent 972-84 Serial Number: 179 First flight: Dec 17, 2014

Asiana Airlines is a South Korean airline headquartered in Seoul, founded in 1988. It began operations in 1991 and soon became the largest airline in South Korea. Asiana operates more than 90 international and 14 domestic passenger routes, as well as 27 cargo routes to major cities in Asia, Europe and North America. The company is a member of the Star Alliance.

The Asiana Airlines fleet has wide–body Airbus A330, A350 and Boeing 777 aircraft, which are used for long-haul flights, as well as narrow-body Airbus A320 and A321 for shorter routes.

A special place in the Asiana fleet is occupied by the largest aircraft, the Airbus A380. Their large capacity helps the airline cope with the huge passenger traffic in some destinations, the densest of which is Los Angeles. These winged giants travel overseas twice a day, providing over 30,000 seats per month.

In total, the airline operates six A380 aircraft, and in addition to Los Angeles, these aircraft operate flights to Narita and Kansai airports in Japan. And although these routes are much shorter, the high density of their passenger traffic makes it possible to fully load such giants as the A380.

All Superjumbos have 12 first class suites, 66 business class seats and 417 standard economy class seats, which ensures a comfortable journey in any direction.

Airbus A380 Emirates

Registration: A6-EVG Type: A380-842 Engines: 4 × RR Trent 972 Serial Number: 256 First flight: 18 Oct 2018

Emirates is flag carriers of the United Arab Emirates. Based in Garhoud, Dubai, the airline is a subsidiary of The Emirates Group, which is owned by the government of Dubai's Investment Corporation of Dubai. It is the largest airline in the Middle East, operating flights from its hub at Dubai International Airport. It operates to more than 150 cities in 80 countries across six continents on its fleet of nearly 300 aircraft. Emirates is the world's fourth-largest airline by scheduled revenue passenger-kilometers flown. Emirates operates a mixed fleet of Airbus and Boeing wide-body aircraft. It is the largest Airbus A380 operator.