Qantas will begin retiring its 10 Airbus A380s from mid-2028, bringing forward the phase-out by about four years from its previous assumption of around 2032. The change comes as the airline accelerates its long-haul fleet renewal, with the superjumbos to be replaced gradually by Airbus A350s and Boeing 787s.
The shift is tied to higher maintenance costs, growing supply-chain constraints and the wider economics of keeping the A380 in service after Airbus ended production of the type in 2021. Qantas has linked the move to a more efficient widebody mix that will preserve network reach while lowering operating complexity.
The carrier also expects the earlier retirement plan to improve cash flow, with a benefit of about A$300 million from fiscal 2028 to fiscal 2031 by avoiding A380 maintenance outlays. The first aircraft is expected to leave service in 2028, while deliveries of newer widebodies from 2027 onwards will support the transition.