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 in February 2013 and has spent more than a decade covering the airline business. His work has been featured by CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. His aviation experience spans airport operations, Part 135 regulatory compliance, and airline crew workforce planning, along with time behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 and interviews with airline executives. Ryan now serves as Group President of Firecrown Media’s Aviation Group. He holds a B.S. in Air Transportation Management and an MBA from Arizona State University and teaches Airline Management at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
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