Qantas Is Retiring the A380 Early While Rivals Can’t Let Go

Qantas plans to start retiring its Airbus A380 superjumbos in March 2028, with the last of its ten to follow over the subsequent months. The airline had earlier expected to fly the type into 2032, but announced in August that it was pulling the date forward to mid-2028. No retirement dates beyond the first have been set, leaving Qantas room to adjust.

The difference with some rivals is what they are waiting for. Lufthansa and Korean Air have ordered Boeing 777X jets whose delivery has slipped, so they are stuck flying older aircraft. Korean Air has pushed its A380 exit from 2026 to 2031, and Lufthansa is also keeping A340s in service. Qantas instead relies on A350 and 787 jets that already fly, with firm orders for 24 A350s and 12 787s.

Chief executive Vanessa Hudson said older four-engined aircraft grow more expensive to maintain, and the airline wants group margins of 10% to 12% by FY2032. Fuel is another factor: Qantas reported FY2026 underlying pre-tax profit of A$2.064 billion, down A$330 million, as Middle East conflict lifted fuel costs that hedging did not fully offset.

Smaller twin-engine jets will not replace the A380 seat for seat, but they can fly every route it serves and open new ones. Half of the A350 order is the A350-1000ULR, intended for nonstop Sydney flights to London and New York under Project Sunrise. Travelers who want a superjumbo seat on Qantas should plan to do so before 2028.

Sources: Simple Flying