The Airbus A380's future is not looking bright, so this is a refreshing change.
Qatar Airways brings back A380s after A350 groundings
Qatar Airways grounded its 10-strong Airbus A380 fleet in March 2020. The A380 has been a victim to the pandemic. Qatar Airways announced in 2021 that at least half its A380 fleet would be retired. However, the future of the remaining fleet is still in doubt (no pun intended).
The Qatar Airways CEO described the purchase A380s as one of the worst decisions in its history. Qatar Airways' financial results were released just a few days ago. The airline took a $2.3B one-time impairment charge due to the grounding of its Airbus A380 and Airbus A330 aircraft fleets.
It appears that plans have changed. Executive Traveller reported that Qatar Airways plans to bring back at least five Airbus A380s by November 2021.
Five A380s will be brought back by the airline as soon as possible, starting in November 2021
In 2022, we might even see all 10 A380s fly again
Although it is not yet known which routes will be featuring A380s on them, we will find out in the coming days.
At least five Qatar Airways A380s are expected to fly again
What is the reason for this change? Qatar Airways grounded 13 Airbus A350s it owns over claims that the fuselage below the paint is degrading at a faster rate. The airline has committed to no longer fly these planes until Airbus finds a permanent solution. It is not clear when that will happen.
Qatar Airways feels that it cannot fly A380s and needs to find a way for the airline to increase its capacity during Christmas.
A350s were grounded and A380s are now back in service
Are passengers going to be happy or sad about the A380's return?
A380s are my favorite plane. I am always happy to see them with a little more life. Qatar Airways is excited to bring back the A380. What does this mean for passengers?
The A380 is Qatar Airways' only long-haul first class aircraft, so the A380's return will mark Qatar Airways' return to first class. It's certainly exciting. However, Qatar Airways' business class is just as excellent.
Qatar Airways A380 first class cabin
Qatar Airways offers very standard reverse herringbone business class seats on its A380. This product is solid, but not as good as Qatar Airways Qsuites Business Class, which was never installed.
Qatar Airways A380 Business Class Seat
The A380 has a beautiful bar in the back of business class that many passengers love to hang out at.
Qatar Airways A380 bar
The A380 is a great economy aircraft because of its spacious cabin and wide seat layout.
Bottom line
Qatar Airways will bring back at least five Airbus A380s by November 2021. This is due to the groundings of more than a dozen Airbus A350s. Qatar Airways had previously stated that it would retire at least five A380s and may never fly them again. It is exciting to see these super jumbos making a comeback.
I expect to soon find out the routes these planes will fly. Qatar Airways has flown A380s to Europe and Australia in the past, but we have never seen a regular scheduled A380 flight to the United States. I'm curious to know if this might change.
What do you think of Qatar Airways's return to the A380? And what destinations will it serve?
