Reuters
• Julie Zhu, Sameer Manekar
Qantas will begin phasing out its 10 Airbus A380s in 2028, roughly four years earlier than previously planned, as rising maintenance costs and incoming A350s and 787s drive long-haul fleet renewal. Older A330s will also gradually leave the fleet, while the airline reports rebounding Australia-U.S. demand.
Airbus A350
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A British Airways A350-1000 is returning to London on Aug. 27 after spending nine days in Barbados following an Aug. 18 incident in which a ground vehicle reportedly struck the aircraft near a passenger door. The aircraft had arrived from Heathrow and was taken out of service pending repairs.
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Qantas is accelerating Airbus A380 retirements to 2028 as it weighs Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 orders, while American Airlines plans seven new international routes for 2027 using A321XLRs and considers future widebodies. Delta is restoring Los Angeles–London service ahead of anticipated 2028 Olympics demand.
The Qantas Group has opened a new Emergency Procedures Training Center in Sydney as part of a $65 million investment in pilot and cabin crew training facilities. The site includes Australia’s first Airbus A350 simulator, supporting preparation for the group’s expanding long-haul fleet.
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Qantas will begin phasing out its 10 Airbus A380s in 2028, roughly four years earlier than previously planned, as rising maintenance costs and incoming A350s and 787s drive long-haul fleet renewal. Older A330s will also gradually leave the fleet, while the airline reports rebounding Australia-U.S. demand.
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A ground-handling employee at Montréal–Trudeau International Airport died after being struck by a French Bee Airbus A350 as the aircraft was pushed back from its stand for departure. Initial reports said the worker was critically injured; accounts differed on the employee’s precise role.
IndiGo leadership says Airbus A350 widebodies will play a central role in expanding the airline’s international network. The comments underscore the strategic importance of long-haul fleet planning as India’s largest airline develops its global growth ambitions.
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Airbus has completed the first A350F freighter’s paint job and unveiled its parcel-themed test-aircraft livery, selected after a competition that drew 4,000 design entries. The aircraft is preparing for a first flight expected in late September or early October, while the second A350F is nearing completion without engines.
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JAL and ANA are coordinating timetables on a small domestic route under a Japanese regulatory framework opened in May, while Korean Air plans three weekly Seoul–Melbourne flights from Dec. 18, 2026, through March 14, 2027, using Boeing 787-9s and replacing Asiana’s former service.
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