Airlines Hi Fly takes delivery of its first Airbus A380

Hi Fly, which is specialized in wide-body wet lease operations for other airlines and governments, will start commercial flights with its first Airbus A380 in mid-2018.

According to President Paulo Mirpuri, “it is a very proud moment for Hi Fly. The Airbus A380 is the largest and most advanced airliner flying today and certainly the aircraft of choice for the most discerning air travelers. This acquisition has been part of our company’s plans for a while. We are extremely happy to welcome the first A380 to our fleet.”

The double-decker aircraft will be powered by the Rolls Royce Trent 900 model, and will seat 471 passengers distributed between three classes. The main deck is fully reserved for Economy class carrying a total of 399 passengers while the upper deck has Business and First class seats carrying 60 and 12 passengers respectively.

The used A380 are expected to be secondhand aircraft, formerly used from Singapore Airlines. The Asian carrier has begun to take the first Airbus A380 out of service in mid-2017 as the 10-year leasing contracts ended. German media reports, the Hi Fly jets could be leased from the leasing company Doric, which owns one of the older Singapore Airlines A380.

Hi Fly plans to use the new jets for charter operations for other carriers. The airline will be the fourth European airline beside British Airways, Air France and Lufthansa operating the double-decker jet. As the oldest Airbus A380 has commenced commercial operations in 2007, several operators could take the aircraft out of service in the next months. Hi Fly will become the first airline, operating a secondhand A380. Other carriers, like the IAG Group with Aer Lingus and Iberia have shown interested in acquiring secondhand A380 for high frequented routes.

Based in Lisbon, Hi Fly operates a fleet of one Airbus A321, three A330, two A340-300 and two A340-500. The jets are leased to governments and airlines.