Next October 13, 14 and 15, European manufacturer Airbus will auction 500 pieces belonging to an A380 aircraft. The initiative aims to support the work of the Airbus Foundation and the AIRitage association, the company said.
Most of them will come from the aircraft with manufacturer’s serial number (MSN) 13. It first flew in April 2008 and operated for Emirates between October 2008 and August 2020.
In October 2021, TARMAC Aerosave, a leader in sustainable end-of-life management of aircraft, carried out its dismantling. It was was responsible for the disassembly, recycling and final disposal of each of its elements.
The objects to be auctioned were selected based on historical, aesthetic, and technological interest. The inventory of pieces will include lamps, elements of the onboard bar, stairs, handrails, trolleys, and seats, among others. Although the process will take place in Toulouse, it will also be possible to participate remotely.
Perhaps one of the most valuable items for aviation enthusiasts will be the orange suit of Claude Lelaie, the Airbus pilot who led the test flight process of the first A380 in 2005.
«First of all, I wanted to make this gesture for the Airbus Foundation, which works in the humanitarian field for the benefit of communities and young people», Lelaie said. On the other hand, he maintained that this is his «way of paying tribute to all the women and men who have made this fantastic program possible, and especially to the Airbus Flight Test team».
«In line with current European regulations, the techniques used enable a recovery rate of more than 90% of the aircraft», the company assured.
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