An era in Australian aviation is coming to an end. Qantas will operate its final scheduled Airbus A380 flight from Melbourne on October 24, closing the book on 18 years of superjumbo service from the city, according to aviation reports.
The last rites follow a familiar rhythm: QF94 arrives in Melbourne from Los Angeles, then QF93 departs Melbourne for LAX — the final scheduled A380 rotation on the route. The first scheduled Melbourne A380 flight took off on October 20, 2008, almost exactly 18 years earlier.
From October 25, the Melbourne–Los Angeles route switches to twice-weekly Boeing 787-9 services only — a change that also means the loss of first class on the route. Sydney becomes the only Australian airport with scheduled Qantas A380 flights.
The A380’s retreat from Melbourne mirrors a global trend: airlines have steadily replaced the four-engine giant with smaller, more efficient twins, even as passengers mourn its unmatched quiet and space.
For planespotters and premium flyers alike, Saturday’s departure is one to watch — the last scheduled roar of the superjumbo out of Tullamarine.
Read also: more Australian headlines and Australia’s week in review.
Bhudev Bhagaliya is an experienced and senior journalist who has carved a distinct niche for himself in the world of Hindi journalism through his profound understanding and precise writing style. With over two decades of experience in the field of journalism, he has held key responsibilities at Dainik Hindustan for 12 years and at Amar Ujala for one year. Currently, he serves as the Content Editor for the Jagrook Youth News newspaper and portal, where he plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality and credibility of the news content. Bhudev Bhagaliya consistently writes about issues that help raise awareness within society and among the younger generation.