BOCA RATON- VAS Aero Services has been selected by Airbus to oversee the teardown of three Airbus A380 aircraft and manage the resale of used serviceable material (USM). These aircraft will be disassembled at Tarbes–Lourdes–Pyrénées Airport (LDE) in France.
The project enhances VAS Aero Services’ track record in Airbus A380 teardown operations, marking their involvement in dismantling 13 A380 aircraft to date.
The harvested parts will support airline operators and MROs facing increasing demand for A380 components, especially as Boeing’s 777X remains delayed.
Photo: Wikimedia CommonsAirbus A380s Getting Scrap
VAS Aero Services, a leader in aviation aftermarket solutions, has been tasked by Airbus to teardown three A380 aircraft at Tarmac Aerosave’s facility in Tarbes/Lourdes-Pyrénées Airport (LDE).
This project builds on VAS’s prior success, including its 2018 partnership with Dr. Peters Group for the first-ever A380 teardown.
With this Airbus collaboration, VAS will have managed 13 A380 dismantlements, solidifying its expertise in handling the superjumbo aircraft.
The process involves breaking down airframes having MSN 61, 66, and 84 which were part of Lufthansa (LH) and Malaysia Airlines (MH) harvesting high-value components, such as avionics, landing gear, and engine parts, for resale as used serviceable material (USM).
The harvested parts will be strategically positioned in Europe, leveraging VAS’s robust sales network to serve maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) providers and airlines across the EMEA region.
Notably, the aircraft’s line-replaceable unit (LRU) engines will be offered for lease or dismantled for in-demand USM components.
This initiative addresses a critical market gap, as the A380 remains a key player in long-haul travel, with approximately 175 aircraft still in operation globally, flown by operators like Emirates (EK) and Singapore Airlines (SQ).
The timing of this project aligns with market dynamics. Delays in Boeing’s 777X deliveries now pushed to at least 2026, have increased reliance on A380s to meet capacity demands for large, long-haul routes.
This has strained the availability of quality USM parts, making VAS’s role pivotal in sustaining the global A380 fleet.
By recycling end-of-life aircraft, VAS not only supports operational needs but also maximizes the residual value of retired airframes, offering lessors and operators a strong return on investment.
Photo: FluctusAircraft Retirement as a Revenue Opportunity
According to VAS CEO Tommy Hughes, the initiative highlights how retiring aircraft can generate strong returns. “We identified the A380 platform early as a growing aftermarket opportunity,” Hughes noted.
“This program allows us to turn aircraft retirement into revenue while supporting global fleet needs with quality components.”
VAS Aero Services positions itself as a reliable partner in maximizing asset value at the end of an aircraft’s life cycle.
Through a combination of expert teardown management, extensive resale channels, and global logistics, the company continues to deliver measurable outcomes to the aviation aftermarket.
Photo: spotter.iceFuture Outlook
The A380’s role in aviation persists despite production ending in 2021, as operators extend the service life of existing fleets.
With no new superjumbo aircraft entering the market soon, the pressure on spare parts availability will likely intensify.
VAS’s proactive investment in A380 dismantlement positions it to capitalize on this trend, supporting the global fleet while generating revenue from recycled components.
As the aviation industry navigates supply chain challenges, VAS’s expertise in aftermarket services offers a blueprint for balancing operational needs with economic and environmental considerations.
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Tarmac Aerosave to Scrap Three Airbus A380 Aircraft for Spare Parts
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