Every Airbus A380 Operator By Their Number Of Superjumbo Flights This Year

There is no question that the Airbus A380 is a stunning aircraft sure to capture the attention of many wherever it flies. While the jumbo jet has not had as long of a successful life as its competitor, the Boeing 747, several planes continue to operate passenger flights today. At the same time, many 747 examples have been retired or converted into freighters. Since the pandemic, several airlines still operating the A380 have slowly reintroduced the aircraft back to service. Now that worldwide travel demand has returned, the jumbo jet is utilized quite frequently, transporting thousands of people daily.

A380 production ended in 2021, meaning many of these birds are relatively young and still have several years of flying left. Dubai-based Emirates, the world’s largest operator of the aircraft, has indicated that it will continue to operate the A380 through as late as the early 2040s. Although the industry has primarily transformed to favor twin-engined aircraft for long-haul flights, the A380 just has some advantages that its smaller competitors do not. Among those features is increased passenger space and comfort, which is an element that travelers prioritize when looking for long-haul flights.

Photo: Daniela Collins | Shutterstock

According to aviation data and analytics provider Cirium, 10 airlines are operating the A380 this year:

• All Nippon Airways (ANA)
• Asiana Airways
• British Airways
• Emirates
• Etihad Airways
• Korean Air
• Lufthansa
• Qantas
• Qatar Airways
• Singapore Airlines

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The carrier remains committed to the aircraft type, with it being in service for 17 years.

All airlines also operated the aircraft last year. However, some either increased or decreased their usage of the jet compared to this year. This year’s utilization numbers closely reflect that of 2019, with the A380s largest operators flying the aircraft the most.

1

Emirates

57,531 flights

Emirates’ A380 fleet comprises a whopping 119 examples, according to ch-aviation. However, only 89 aircraft are currently active. The type is scheduled on nearly 58,000 flights this year, offering more than 29 million seats, which is the most in the world.

Photo: Emirates

Understandably, the airline had the most flights on the aircraft out of any other airline in 2023 as well – albeit on about 5,000 fewer flights. Last year, the jumbo jet performed 52,394 flights, offering just under 27 million seats. The statistics are a clear example of demand surging post-pandemic, just between last year and this year.

2

Singapore Airlines

5,908 flights

History was made in 2007 when Singapore Airlines, the launch customer of the A380, received its first aircraft. With 12 A380s in its fleet, the type is expected to perform just over 5,900 flights this year – the second most, behind Emirates.

Photo: Singapore Airlines

While the number unequivocally shows how large Emirates’ A380 deployment is, Singapore Airlines will still offer 2,787,688 seats this year. It is an increase from 2023 when the airline scheduled the A380 on 5,837 flights, offering about 2.7 million seats. Interestingly, the carrier’s A380 schedule last year was less than that of British Airways, but not this year.

3

British Airways

5,422 flights

The UK flag carrier’s A380 fleet also comprises 12 aircraft. This year, British Airways will schedule the aircraft type on just over 5,400 flights, offering 2,542,918 seats. These planes are based out of the airline’s hub – London Heathrow Airport (LHR) – and support its global reach. British Airways also deploys some of its A380s to the US, visiting destinations such as Boston, Miami, and Dallas/Fort Worth.

Photo: Jarek Kilian | Shutterstock

Last year, the carrier deployed the aircraft on 5,881 flights, offering 2,758,189 seats, placing it above Singapore Airlines. However, the two carriers have flopped this year, with Singapore Airlines operating about 500 more flights.

4

Qatar Airways

3,952 flights

Qatar Airways will use its fleet of eight A380s on nearly 4,000 flights this year, offering 2,043,184 total seats. The airline has used the aircraft since 2014 and originally had 10 examples, but two were retired during the pandemic.

Photo: Vincenzo Pace | Simple Flying

Qatar has focused on its 787 Dreamliner and A350 aircraft for its long-haul operations as they are more fuel-efficient. The airline reportedly intends for the A380s to be fully phased out from its fleet by the end of the decade. It operated more A380 flights last year, at 4,135.

5

Qantas

2,685 flights

With just under 2,700 flights this year, Qantas is the fifth airline to operate the A380 the most. Its operation will account for 1,302,183 seats as the airline deploys it across the Pacific to destinations in the US. Additionally, the aircraft frequently visits Asia and Europe. Qantas’ A380 has notably visited Los Angeles and Dallas/Fort Worth in the US. Last year, the carrier operated fewer A380 movements at 2,476 flights, offering 1,200,612 seats.

Photo: Phuong D. Nguyen | Shutterstock

Here are the other airlines’ A380 flights and their comparison between 2023 and 2024:

ANA operates the fewest A380 flights, understandably so, as the airline exclusively utilizes three aircraft between Tokyo and Honolulu. However, it is worth noting that it operated more flights than Lufthansa and Etihad Airways in 2023. All three carriers have significantly boosted flights and seats within their respective A380 operations from last year to this year.

Have you ever flown on the A380 on any of these airlines? Be sure to let us know by leaving a comment below.

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