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The Airbus A380, recognized as the largest passenger aircraft ever created, has had a mixed journey since its introduction. While it can accommodate between 400 and 600 passengers and boasts a flying range of nearly 8,000 nautical miles, it has struggled to find a stable market, leading to the scrapping of several units. Since its first delivery on October 15, 2007, only 254 units were produced before the end of production, considerably less than the Boeing 747's 1,500 unit sales.
According to ch-aviation, 27 A380s have permanently been retired, with two converted into test aircraft on display and the remainder dismantled for parts. These parts help maintain other A380s in operation. The first commercial A380, flown by Singapore Airlines, set off the model's journey, yet many airlines are opting for newer, smaller aircraft. Air France, Hi Fly Malta, Thai Airways, China Southern, and Malaysia Airlines phased out the A380, citing operational inflexibility.
Vas Aero noted that Airbus chose its services to dismantle three more A380s, all equipped with Rolls-Royce Trent 900 engines. Lines 61 and 66 were formerly operated by Lufthansa, which once had 14 but resold six back to Airbus amidst fleet downsizing. Line 84, a former Malaysian Airlines aircraft, was one among six returned to Airbus in exchange for smaller A330neos.
