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Emirates Airline offers enthusiasts re-engineered souvenirs from its first A380
November 3rd 2021
It is a quandary for any airline operating A380s. Read More » How to dispose of the big planes is a superjumbo-sized headache when there is no aftermarket for the aircraft and you are the world’s biggest operator of the type. Emirates Airline has arrived at 21st century solution for its iconic first A380: recycling and upcycling. The A380 once known as A6-EDA was delivered to the Gulf carrier in July 2008 and operated its first flight between Dubai and New York JFK on August 1. It was the aircraft that unveiled the popular premium class bar and the first class shower. During its lifetime, it operated 6,319 flights to 62 airports. It will now live on as the iconic bar and other cabin furniture are transformed into bespoke furniture and a range of aviation memorabilia and retail items. They will go on sale in coming months with some of the profits benefiting the Emirates Airline Foundation and its work with deserving social causes. The materials recovery will be undertaken by United Arab Emirates (UAE)-based Falcon Aircraft Recycling as an alternative to the plane languishing in a remote location while it is stripped for just its profitable parts. The project is Falcon’s most ambitious yet. Director Andrew Tonks said about 190 tonnes of various metals, plastics, carbon composites and other materials will be removed from the aircraft and passed on for recycling or repurposing. “The recovery programme will be delivered fully within the UAE and will ensure the majority of the aircraft will find a second life,’’ Tonks said. “Our teams are busy with the breakdown and final concepts for the first batch of unique upcycled items. We look forward to unveiling more information about the retail items soon.” Emirates will receive its final A380 this month, marking the last delivery of an aircraft that was a hit with travellers but proved susceptible to the economics and politics of modern aviation.
