The first-ever Airbus A380 superjumbo was delivered to Emirates in July 2008, and the Dubai-based airline will soon begin selling upcycled aviation memorabilia and unique furniture pieces fashioned from salvaged parts. Even the ship’s on-board lounge and bar will be up for sale as part of the enormous haul.

It was on March 8, 2020, that the first-ever Emirates A380, with registration A6-EDA, was grounded after its final commercial voyage from Singapore to Dubai. The double-decker aircraft flew to 62 different airports and performed 6,319 flights throughout its 12-year service with Emirates.

First Class customers were able to shower on the plane for the first time when the aircraft was delivered, and the airline’s now-famous in-flight lounge became a reality for the first time.

On Monday, Sir Tim Clark, the president of Emirates, revealed the airline’s first step into aircraft upcycling.

Our customers and admirers may now own a piece of aviation history, while also helping the environment and the Emirates Airline Foundation by diverting waste from the trash.

What a lovely and fitting way to end the life of one of our most important aircraft.

Falcon Aircraft Recycling, a local firm poised to embark on its most ambitious project ever, has teamed with Emirates. As many as 190 tonnes of various metals, polymers, carbon fibre composites, and other components will be salvaged, repurposed, or upcycled from the aeroplane, which will be dismantled.

We are currently working on the breakdown and final concepts for the first batch of unique upcycled items,” Falcon’s director Andrew Tonks stated. As soon as we have additional details, we’ll let you know.

The first A380 delivered to Emirates, A6-EDA, wasn’t the first to be decommissioned. A7-EDA was the first. A6-EDB, as the registration suggests, was Emirates’ second A380, and hence received the dubious honour.

Initially, Emirates’ engineering team dismantled both planes and salvaged operable parts like engines, landing gears, and flight control systems.

In the meantime, Emirates is partnering with a local company that creates personalised furniture and goods from aeroplane parts. Most likely, keyrings fashioned from the aircraft’s skin will be the cheapest and most accessible item, while the plane’s seats and onboard bar will be sold as well.

The Emirates Airline Foundation will receive a share of the selling proceeds.