On the evening of September 12, the long-stored Airbus A380 (9H-MIP) landed in Dresden, Germany. The aircraft had been preserved for nearly five years at Tarbes-Lourdes-Pyrénées Airport in France. Bearing serial number MSN 006, the A380 previously served in the fleet of Hi Fly and was known for its special “Save the Coral Reefs” livery. Taking to the skies for the first time since spring 2021, the aircraft has now found a new owner after five years.
In Dresden, the jet will undergo extensive maintenance at the EFW facility, a joint venture between Airbus and ST Engineering. EFW announced that, on behalf of its new customer ALG, the aircraft will be restored and prepared for a return to service. ALG (Airline Leasing Group) does not operate aircraft directly but functions as a leasing and services provider.
According to official records, the current operator of the A380 is listed as Malta-based PB Leasing Aircraft No. 9. The company’s director, Roger Jeffrey Allard, also holds majority ownership in the cruise line Hebridean Island Cruises.
Of the first 10 A380s ever built, only one remains active in commercial service today: MSN 007, flying with Emirates under registration A6-EDF. Four have already been scrapped, and two are still held by Airbus. Instead of being dismantled, MSN 006 now appears set to return to the skies.
While it is not yet clear which operator will eventually fly the aircraft, the development suggests that there is still some niche demand for the “superjumbo.” At a time when projects like Global Airlines face uncertainty, this case shows the A380 may still find a place in specialized ventures.
