Emirates has retired A6-EDA, their first A380 aircraft. The aircraft will be recycled and upcycled into furniture and memorabilia for aviation enthusiasts.
A6-EDA was completed its last commercial flight in March 2020. It was then retired from service. Emirates engineers brought the aircraft to their Engineering Centre, where they retrieved any serviceable parts, such as landing gears, engines and flight control components. After being deregistered, the aircraft was handed to Falcon Aircraft Recycling to begin the process to carefully dismantle the aircraft.
After a distinguished service record, Emirates' first A380, previously operated as A6-EDA was retired.
Delivered by Airbus from Hamburg, Germany on 28 July 2008.
First commercial flight: Dubai-New York JFK, 01 August 2008.
Last commercial flight: Singapore-Dubai, 08/03/2020
Total number of flights: 6,319
Airports visited: 62
Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline stated: "We are thrilled to partner with Falcon Aircraft Recycling for this first-of its-kind project. This initiative allows our customers and fans to take home a piece aviation history and save valuable materials from the landfill while supporting a charity through the Emirates Airline Foundation. This is a fitting and elegant retirement solution for our iconic aircraft.
Andrew Tonks is Falcon Aircraft Recycling's Director. He stated that this was our most ambitious project. It will be the first time an A380 has been deconstructed outside of Europe. The aircraft will be deconstructed and recycled with Wings Craft.
Falcon Aircraft Recycling, a UAE-based company that produces custom furniture and merchandise using aircraft materials, will partner with Wings Craft. They will create unique collectibles from the parts and materials taken from the aircraft. These products will be available for purchase in phases over the next few months.
Recently, I was able purchase 2 used half-carts from Emirates Red Shop in Dubai. I was able to put my own graphic on one of the carts. The half-used cart sells for 499 AED (or 135 USD). A portion of the profits from the sale and recycling of items from Emirates' first retired A380 aircraft will be donated to the Emirates Airline Foundation.
Wings Craft shop will soon be selling all the remaining collectibles, including window frames, coffee tables and aviation metal tags. Follow them on Instagram to keep up-to-date.
