Emirates agrees deal to recycle its first retired superjumbo

The Dubai-based carrier has signed an agreement with Falcon Aircraft Recycling, which will include turning the A380’s onboard bar and other cabin features into furniture, while a range of aviation memorabilia will also be put up for sale.

The recycling process will take place entirely in the United Arab Emirates further reducing the project’s environmental footprint.

Emirates’ president Tim Clark called the recycling deal with Falcon a “first-of-its-kind project”.

“That all repurposing activity will be fully executed in the UAE also speaks to the strong aviation eco-system and capabilities that the nation has built up in its short history,” he said.

“Through this initiative, our customers and fans can take home a piece of aviation history while saving valuable materials from landfill and contributing to a charitable cause through the Emirates Airline Foundation.

“It’s an elegant and fitting retirement solution for this iconic aircraft and our flagship."

A portion of profits from the sales will be used to benefit the Emirates Airline Foundation, a charity focused on helping disadvantaged children around the world.

The aircraft was the first A380 to be delivered to Emirates in July 2008 - it flew 6,319 flights between August 2008 and its final commercial service from Singapore to Dubai in March 2020.