Australian airline Qantas achieved an important milestone in its fleet renewal program this week by putting back into service the last Airbus A380 that had remained in storage since the beginning of the pandemic.
The aircraft, registered as VH-OQC, landed in Sydney on December 2, marking the end of almost six years out of service.
The A380 had been withdrawn from operation at the start of the global health crisis and remained in long-term storage, including a period between June 2021 and November 2025 in Abu Dhabi. During that time, the aircraft underwent a heavy D-Check inspection, received a new landing gear set, and had its entire cabin fully refurbished.
According to Qantas, the restoration required more than 100,000 work hours, with parts transported by land, sea and air to meet the project’s needs. The process is part of the airline’s plan to modernize and reintroduce its A380 fleet as international demand continues to rise.
Source and images: Qantas Newsroom | carroemotos
