The clock is ticking on Asiana Airlines’ A380 fleet as the South Korean carrier prepares to be taken over by long-rime rival Korean Airlines

Asiana and Korean Airlines are set to complete a full merger by 2024, resulting in a combined fleet of 16 superjumbos aircraft.

However, the airline says that’s 16 A380’s too many – so, they are all most likely bound for the scrap yard over the next 5 years, unless they’re sold off.

The A380 was poised to be a game-changer in the aviation industry, due to its size, power and flying time – but the high operation costs mean they are no longer a viable asset for airlines.

The jets are expensive to run on fuel and with so many seats onboard the jet, at times they are hard to fill.

Is the pandemic to blame?

While Korean Airlines and Asiana aren’t saying goodbye to their A380s during the pandemic, it is certainly due to it.

As the global aviation sector continues its recovery from COVID-19, the industry still struggles to find its feet – and there is little use for the 400+ seater jets currently.

While the planes will likely make a comeback by next year or so, their efficiency remains largely in doubt compared to newer aircraft.

The decision will leave two fewer superjumbo operators going into the next half of the decade. While Emirates and Singapore Airlines will retain their top two positions, they will only be joined by four others for certain. For several other carriers, like Qatar Airways, the A380 plans remain a mystery.