Recently, we explored the world’s most exclusive First Class offerings on the Airbus A380. Among them, Portuguese wet lease specialist Hi Fly stands out with its rare A380, originally operated by Singapore Airlines and meticulously preserved in its original luxury configuration. We had the opportunity to examine this aircraft and its distinctive place in modern aviation.
Hi Fly acquired its flagship Airbus A380 in 2018, inheriting the refined Singapore Airlines cabin layout: 12 First Class suites, 60 Business Class seats, and 399 Economy seats. The aircraft predominantly serves on wet lease agreements, stepping in when airlines need extra capacity or face operational disruptions. Notably, Norwegian chartered Hi Fly’s A380 during Boeing 787 Dreamliner groundings, deploying it on transatlantic routes such as New York JFK to London Gatwick, Stockholm, and Oslo Gardermoen. During these contracts, the First Class suites were typically not available for passengers, but the Business Class product represented a significant upgrade for many travelers.
As of 2025, the aircraft remains based at Beja Airport (BYJ) in Portugal—the only airport in the country equipped to accommodate the double-decker superjumbo. While the A380’s flying hours have decreased in recent years due to shifting market demands and the rise of more fuel-efficient twinjets, Hi Fly’s A380 continues to operate select missions, including high-density charter flights and special repatriation services. In previous years, the jet even flew humanitarian missions, such as evacuations from Asia to Europe.
Hi Fly operates under a wet lease model, providing not only the aircraft but also its own crew, maintenance, and insurance. For partner airlines, this often means a different product than their own brand experience—sometimes less polished, but in emergencies or peak travel periods, reliability and capacity take precedence. For passengers, especially those lucky enough to be upgraded, Hi Fly’s A380 can transform an ordinary journey into a memorable one, with the chance to enjoy premium seating and amenities not usually found on the operating airline’s fleet.
The transition from Norwegian’s Premium Economy on the 787 to the legacy Singapore Airlines Business Class seat is a considerable step up in comfort, privacy, and service levels.
Hi Fly’s First Class suites, though rarely sold, remain intact, offering unparalleled seclusion. Each suite features a sliding door, while the centre pairs can be combined into a double bed—an exceptional option for couples seeking privacy above the clouds.
Economy Class is split between the rear upper deck and the main deck, providing a spacious environment compared to many high-density configurations. First Class occupies the forward main deck, and Business Class is situated exclusively on the upper deck, ensuring a quieter, more exclusive cabin feel.
The Airbus A380, once the darling of long-haul travel, has seen many operators retire the type due to high costs and airport limitations. Hi Fly remains one of the few carriers globally to offer the A380 on a flexible, on-demand basis. While the future of the A380 in commercial service remains uncertain, Hi Fly’s unique position allows it to serve niche markets and special charters, capitalizing on the aircraft’s capacity when required. Whether the airline will expand its A380 fleet or pivot as the industry evolves is yet to be seen, but for now, Hi Fly’s superjumbo continues to deliver extraordinary experiences for those fortunate enough to fly onboard.
For a deeper look at Hi Fly’s A380 and its current operations, visit their official website for the latest fleet details and wet lease opportunities.
