
AeroGenie — Your Intelligent Copilot.
Trending
Categories
Former Hi Fly A380 Acquired by New Owner, Not Global Airlines

Former Hi Fly A380 Acquired by New Owner, Not Global Airlines
Transfer and Maintenance of the Aircraft
An Airbus A380-800, previously operated by Hi Fly and stored for five years, has been acquired by a new owner, dispelling earlier speculation that the aircraft would join UK startup Global Airlines. Registered as 9H-MIP (MSN006), the superjumbo was recently ferried from Tarbes-Lourdes-Pyrenees Airport (LDE) to Dresden Airport (DRS) for maintenance at the EFW facility, a joint venture between Airbus and ST Engineering.
On September 16, 2025, EFW confirmed receipt of the aircraft from its new customer, ALG. Representatives Gregory Thornton and Martyn Anderson, acting on behalf of ALG, indicated intentions to return the A380 to active service. However, the identity of the future operator remains undisclosed. According to the Transport Malta aircraft registry, the current operator is listed as PB Leasing Aircraft No. 9. UK Companies House records identify Roger Jeffrey Allard, who also serves as a director of Hebridean Island Cruises, as the sole director of PB Leasing Aircraft No. 9. Attempts to clarify whether the acquisition is linked to Hebridean Island Cruises or Allard personally have not yielded a response.
Ownership History and Market Context
The aircraft was previously owned by Doric Asset Finance during its operational period with Hi Fly. Efforts to obtain comment from Doric Asset Finance regarding the recent sale have been unsuccessful. Market speculation had suggested that 9H-MIP would be integrated into Global Airlines’ fleet. However, a spokesperson for Global Airlines confirmed that the transaction did not proceed. The airline explained that it shifted focus to MSN 120, a newer A380, for its initial flights programme. Despite this, Global Airlines expressed support for the repositioning of MSN006 to Dresden by supplying necessary parts, emphasizing the collaborative spirit within the aviation community. The spokesperson also noted that Global Airlines continues to pursue the acquisition of other A380 aircraft.
This acquisition occurs amid significant shifts in the charter and widebody aircraft market. New owners face challenges including adapting to evolving market dynamics, heightened competition, and operational complexities such as taxation and talent acquisition. Industry observers are closely monitoring the new owner’s plans, while competitors may reconsider their strategies to maintain market share in response to this development.
The Aircraft’s Distinctive Legacy
The 9H-MIP is particularly notable for its striking ‘Save the Coral Reefs’ livery, which it bore between 2018 and 2020 during its service with Hi Fly. As the aircraft undergoes maintenance in Dresden, the aviation industry awaits further details regarding its future operator and role within the evolving market landscape. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

Akasa Air Leases Boeing 737s from BOC Aviation

Online Travel Agencies Surpass Airlines in ChatGPT Travel Booking Searches

Airbus VP Outlines Regional Forecast Calling for 2,600 New Aircraft in Latin America

Airbus Executive Discusses A320 Market Position, Supply Chain Challenges, and Future Plans

GE's Giant: The Bellwether Engine That Reinvented the Logistics, Economics, and Aesthetics of Jet Travel

Mexico’s Volaris Expects Engine Issues to End by Year-End 2027

Wizz Air Adds Two A321neo Aircraft to Fleet

Light Aircraft Design Conference Highlights General Aviation Innovation

Narrow-Body Aircraft: An Overview
