CHICAGO- Setna iO has acquired another ex-Malaysia Airlines (MH) Airbus A380, which will be scrapped. The aircraft, currently stored at Tarbes–Lourdes–Pyrénées Airport (LDE) in France, will be scrapped for high-demand components.
This move reflects the ongoing trend of dismantling Airbus A380s amid low resale value and rising demand for second-hand parts. Setna iO continues its focus on supporting active A380 operators through recycled components.
Ex-Malaysia Airlines A380 Scrapped
On June 4, Setna iO confirmed the acquisition of a retired Airbus A380 previously operated by Malaysia Airlines (MH), which retains three of its four Rolls-Royce Trent 900 engines.
The aircraft, stored at Tarbes–Lourdes–Pyrénées Airport (LDE), will be disassembled by TARMAC Aerosave, a European company recognized for aircraft storage and recycling.
According to Simple Flying, all six A380s retired by Malaysia Airlines are currently owned by Airbus Financial Services and stored at the same French facility.
This transfer was part of a broader fleet renewal strategy by the Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), which exchanged its A380 fleet in a deal involving 20 Airbus A330-900 aircraft, ten directly from Airbus and ten from Irish lessor Avolon.
Since November 2024, Malaysia Airlines has already taken delivery of three A330-900s, including the most recent arrival on April 17, 2025.
A380 Teardowns Continue
Setna iO is not alone in capitalizing on the teardown market. On April 8, VAS Aero Services, headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida, was appointed by Airbus to manage the dismantling and parts distribution of three additional A380s.
These included MSN 61 and MSN 66, both ex-Lufthansa aircraft formerly registered as D-AIME and D-AIMF, respectively, and stored at Teruel Airport (TEV) in Spain.
MSN 84, another ex-Malaysia Airlines A380, has remained at Tarbes–Lourdes since late 2022 after being transferred from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL).
These actions contribute to a growing list of decommissioned A380s. As of May 2025, 29 A380s have been dismantled, including Lufthansa’s MSN 48 (D-AIMD) and MSN 73 (D-AIMJ), both scrapped in May 2025.
A380 Still in Demand
Despite widespread retirements, the Airbus A380 remains an operational necessity for several global carriers due to long-haul aircraft shortages.
Lufthansa, for instance, has reinstated eight A380s into service, a move driven by delays in Boeing 777-9 deliveries, now expected no earlier than 2026. This is highlighted in Lufthansa’s 2024 annual report, released in March.
According to VAS Aero CEO Tommy Hughes, demand for A380 components is growing as approximately 175 of the type remain active.
Ch-aviation data confirms that 182 Airbus A380s are either operational or under maintenance globally.
These are flown by airlines such as Emirates (EK), Singapore Airlines (SQ), Qantas (QF), Qatar Airways (QR), British Airways (BA), Korean Air (KE), All Nippon Airways (NH), and Etihad Airways (EY), among others.
Future of the A380
The A380’s retirement trend highlights its challenges in modern aviation, including high operating costs and shifting market demands.
While some airlines, like Lufthansa (LH), have reinstated A380s temporarily, the aircraft’s long-term viability remains uncertain.
Scraping efforts by companies like Setna iO and VAS Aero Services underscore the industry’s pivot toward recycling valuable components to support remaining fleets, extending the A380’s legacy indirectly through its parts.
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