More A380s Headed for Teardown

Parts will be harvested from the superjumbo jets.

A380s in storage (Photo: Shutterstock | Mario Hagen)

[ Planes ]April 12, 2025 7:00 am ET

By Ryan Ewing

Another trio of Airbus A380s are set to be dismantled. Florida-based VAS Aero Services announced this week that it has been selected by Airbus to manage the teardown of three A380 aircraft.

The aircraft involved — airframes MSN 61, 66, and 84 — will be disassembled in Tarbes, France, through VAS’ partnership with Tarmac Aerosave, a specialist in aircraft storage and recycling. Components salvaged during the process will be redistributed as used serviceable material (USM) to meet global demand, particularly across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

According to Cirium Fleet Analyzer data, MSN 61 and 66 were originally operated by Lufthansa before being parked in 2022. MSN 84 was previously flown by Malaysia Airlines.

This project brings the total number of A380s dismantled by VAS to 13. The company was previously involved in the teardown of the very first A380 retired from service in 2018.

777X Delays

“With deliveries of Boeing’s 777X platform delayed until at least 2026, there is an increasing reliance on the A380 to fill the need for large, long-haul aircraft,” VAS CEO Tommy Hughes stated in a news release. “That demand is putting pressure on quality USM parts inventory availability for the existing A380 assets, estimated to be as many as 175 aircraft in operation worldwide.”

While the A380 was once heralded as the future of long-haul air travel, many operators have begun phasing out the double-decker jets due to high operating costs and shifts in airline fleet strategy. As more aircraft approach the end of their service life, companies like VAS Aero Services are stepping in to turn retired airframes into aftermarket inventory for airlines and MROs.

In addition to selling harvested parts, VAS said the aircraft’s engines will be made available for lease or disassembly. Parts will be positioned for rapid delivery within the Europe, Middle East, and Africa regions, leveraging the company’s global logistics and resale network.

A total of 174 A380s remain in active service, per Cirium’s data, with Emirates being the largest operator at 108 superjumbo jets. An additional 44 are in storage, and 36 have been retired.

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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.

Follow Ryan

Author

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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