First-Ever A380 Takes Flight Again

While some of the superjumbo jets were retired during the COVID-19 pandemic, 189 A380s remain in active service worldwide.

First Airbus A380 takes off
F-WWOW during takeoff (Photo: Airbus)
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Airbus's first A380 prototype (F-WWOW) has resumed test flights after being grounded since May 2022.
  • The recent three-hour test flight from Toulouse, France, marks the beginning of a series of tests.
  • These tests aim to certify upgrades and maintain the safety and reliability of the A380 fleet currently in service.
  • Despite some retirements during the pandemic, 189 A380s remain operational with 10 airlines.
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The first-ever Airbus A380 is flying again for the first time since 2022. The aircraft – registered as F-WWOW – debuted in 2005 and was the A380’s first prototype jet.

According to Flightradar24 data, the aircraft’s last test flight was in May 2022. Since then, it has been stored at Airbus’ Toulouse, France, manufacturing facility.

Its latest flight was on Friday, a three-hour test mission to and from Toulouse. This was the first in a series of test flights, Airbus said.

Airbus flight test team (Photo: Airbus)

“After months of preparation, system upgrades and the renewal of its test installations, our teams kicked off a series of flight test activities this week,” the manufacturer shared on social media. “These tests enable the certification of all the latest developments that keep the A380 in-service fleet flying at the highest standards of safety and reliability.”

While some of the superjumbo jets were retired during the COVID-19 pandemic, 189 A380s remain in active service worldwide. Ten airlines continue to operate the aircraft.

 

Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.
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