Airbus A380 albatross gets a new life through leasing firm

The world’s largest passenger jet is finally getting a second life. On August 1 a 10-year-old, Airbus A380 formerly flown by SIA will enter service with a new carrier, said Paulo Mirpuri, CEO of aircraft lessor Hi Fly. He said he has two candidates interested in flying the refurbished, 471-seat, jumbo jet: a large European airline seeking its first A380 for flights across the North Atlantic, and an East Asian carrier that already has a fleet of the double-decker. “We believe there is quite strong potential for the A380,” Mirpuri said. “It is a good aircraft for high-density airports where slots are restricted and cannot easily be added. Our clients want an aircraft that’s able to fly more passengers.” A decision is due next week on which of the customers, whom he declined to name, will receive the plane. Hi Fly’s leasing deal would extend the usefulness of a plane that has been popular with travellers but has become an embarrassment for Airbus since it was introduced 10 years ago. <br/>