Air France A380 Gets Livery Removed Prior to Retirement

Air France's first Airbus A380 to be retired has had its livery removed and will soon be retired following just over 10 years of service.

F-HPJB sporting its new paint job. Photo by Tyler Lorenz.

The aircraft, registered F-HPJB, flew to Luqa, Malta, to have its livery removed. The plane has since returned to Paris Charles de Gaulle (December 13, 2019).

Livery removal is a necessary step when it comes to returning an aircraft to its lessor (Dr. Peters Group). As F-HPJB was leased, it is Air France's duty to return the plane in its original state.

Air France's Airbus A380s commonly operate on the carrier's Paris to US routes. Photo by Karam Sodhi │ AeroNewsX.

The aircraft will be removed from the fleet on January 1. The aircraft is now back in service with Air France, just this time with an all-white livery. Currently F-HPJB is operating the Paris to New York rotation.

The next Airbus A380-861 to retire will be F-HPJD. The aircraft will be withdrawn from service next year.

Air France's fleet of Airbus A380s are set to be retired by the end of 2022. The carrier is unhappy with the type and says that "the current competitive environment limits the markets in which the A380 can profitably operate."

F-HPJJ on approach to Washington Dulles. Photo by Matt Lino │ AeroNewsX.

The airline will use its new Airbus A350s to replace the quad-jets and will further accelerate the retirement of its Airbus A340 fleet with the new jets as well.