Etihad’s First Airbus A380 Transformed into Unique Collectibles

Etihad Airways’ first Airbus A380, designated A6-APA, has been scrapped but will continue to resonate with aviation enthusiasts through a creative upcycling initiative. The aircraft, which represents a significant milestone as both the first A380 for Etihad and the 150th A380 delivered globally, has been transformed into collectible key tags by German company Aviationtag.

Aviationtag has announced that they will create a total of 11,000 key tags from the fuselage skin of A6-APA. These will be available for purchase, starting at €39.95 (approximately $46.44). The tags will come in two editions, with one made from aluminum sections from the crown and tail of the fuselage and another from the GLARE section, which incorporates glass-fiber-reinforced aluminum laminate, offering a sturdier product.

Significant Milestones for A6-APA

The Airbus A380 A6-APA first took to the skies on June 16, 2014, but it was not delivered to Etihad until December 15, 2014. Its inaugural commercial flight occurred shortly thereafter, with a journey to London Heathrow Airport (LHR) on December 27, 2014. The aircraft served passengers until late March 2020 when operations were suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A6-APA was subsequently ferried to Tarbes, France, on November 5, 2020, where it remained until its recent decommissioning.

Before its retirement, A6-APA logged an impressive 26,663 flight hours over 2,982 flight cycles, averaging nearly nine hours per flight. This operational history highlights the aircraft’s pivotal role in Etihad’s fleet during its tenure.

Etihad’s Airbus A380 Fleet Outlook

Etihad Airways originally ordered ten Airbus A380s, of which seven have returned to service. The remaining aircraft, A6-APC, will not rejoin the fleet, while A6-APB is in storage but is expected to resume operations. According to data from Cirium, Etihad has scheduled 172 Airbus A380 rotations for November 2025, operating from Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi to destinations including London, Paris, Singapore, and Toronto.

Etihad’s A380s are distinctive within the aviation industry, particularly due to their innovative use of space. Unlike many airlines that utilize the upper deck’s unused front area for large restrooms, Etihad has introduced “The Residence.” This exclusive space functions as a private suite accommodating one to two guests, featuring a living room area, a private bathroom with a shower, and a separate bedroom with a double bed.

In addition to “The Residence,” the upper deck includes ten first-class suites and 70 business-class seats arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration, complemented by a social bar area. The main deck is equipped with 405 economy class seats in a 3-4-3 layout, further enhancing the passenger experience.

As A6-APA transitions from its operational role to collectible memorabilia, it reinforces the legacy of the Airbus A380 and its enduring appeal to aviation fans around the world.