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During the Paris Air Forum on June 13, 2025, Air France-KLM CEO Benjamin Smith addressed the airline's decision to retire its Airbus A380 fleet. According to a report by FlightGlobal, Smith stated that the aircraft did not generate profits outside of summer peaks. The A380s were retired in June 2020 after 11 years of operation.
The Airbus A380 was known for its positive passenger experience, but it required significant investments in engine overhauls and cabin upgrades, estimated at €50 to €60 million per aircraft. Despite this, Air France was one of the first legacy carriers to order the A380 after its announcement by Airbus, placing an order for ten double-deckers at the 2001 Paris Air Show. The aircraft began service with Air France in 2009.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Air France became the first airline to retire its A380 fleet due to high operating costs and limited profitability. Although other airlines phased out their A380 fleets as well, many reintroduced them as air travel demand increased post-pandemic.
