george77300

We have a more general thread (BA Bringing Back A380s in November), but I thought a specific thread with a Wiki for the training to MAD and FRA would be a good idea like we had for the A350 back in 2019!

The A380s are going to be doing a morning rotation to FRA and afternoon to MAD starting on Monday 8th November.

The schedule is planned as follows:

LHR-FRA approx 0730 dep
FRA-LHR approx 1200 arr

LHR-MAD approx 1500 dep
MAD-LHR approx 2000 arr

Flight numbers are not confirmed, however from the times BA902/903 to FRA and BA462/463 to MAD seem likely, with slight changes to allow for a longer turnaround to suit the A380.

We can add more details when it gets published into the system and slightly more confirmed. Of course all subject to change. Hopefully see some of you onboard one of them in November.

george77300

Training Flights to FRA/MAD FAQ - mostly thanks to BotB from the A350 thread in 2019!

Are the A380 flights published/guaranteed yet?They are currently planned, but as always there maybe issues and/or a change of plan that could result in the A380 getting swapped off on a particular day, as happened with some with the A350 in 2019. For this reason, it is best to be cautious and only book the flights and dates mentioned in the wiki if and when any dates actually get confirmed A380 in the booking system. The BA "Book with Confidence" scheme and/or Avios booking will give you more ability to change flights or get a refund as a voucher should they change.

Will the service be CE or CW on the training flights?This will be Club Europe service, similar to the other routes in Europe with 777/787 service at the moment.

Is there a guide for those looking to do a back to back run (returning on the same plane one flew in on, aka B2B) for MAD? Yes, also linked to in the wiki, CWS wrote this excellent guide (and it is still valid): link to post. FRA looks to be more of a risk/difficult, however depending on the extra time needed for the A380 between arrival and departure it could well be possible.

If you have any other questions or points (or equally, any amendments/corrections!) that should go into the FAQ, please post in the thread and I’ll add /amend them as appropriate. Thank you!

Globaliser

In the original FRA training flights, the A380 used a contact gate at FRA so you disembarked directly into the departure area of the terminal. Security was, in effect, at the gate immediately before boarding, so this worked fine for back-to-backs on these flights. AIUI, the usual risk with FRA back-to-backs is bus transfers to/from the aircraft, and the use of a contact gate took away this risk.

Those who know the current set-up at FRA (incl Covid measures) may be able to say more about whether this logic is still likely to work.

Trent900

It seems Covid measures and B2B wise MAD is the better option.

george77300

I would imagine so. MAD is basically fool proof, even with a short A320 turnaround. On the A380 (and as with A350) you’ll have time for a lounge visit.

Trent900

But not so good for photography given the dark o'clock arrival back in London.

gliderpilot

Anyone any idea when the last flights will be? Potentially looking at a trip early Dec.

babyg_wc

The a380s are scheduled for long haul in december.. so i doubt there will be any more practice runs going on in december

travelsbyplane

Looking at the schedule, the first day that they will need all 4 in circulation is the 10th, so there could be some overlap at the beginning of December, but it also depends when each of the 4 frames will be ready.

Cymro

Timings might work, but pricing doesn't seem especially cheap (although that could be caused by the FRA-MAD leg). You'd definitely want to wait until the schedule has been updated.

vintagepilot

A380 flights now appear on the website 902/903 and 462/463 as predicted.

SHT88T

456/457 on Saturdays also

I’ve just booked for 20 November. Can’t choose a seat at the minute as seat map is only showing the blocked First and Upper Deck Club cabins.

Have been assigned 10K out and 12K back.

Oxon Flyer

Just noticed that too : the Upper Deck business cabin is currently blocked out for the dummy booking dates I tried to both FRA and MAD. So anyone wanting to specifically try the Upper Deck should be aware that it may not be opened up.

Are start and end dates for these A380 rotations confirmed too now ?

george77300

Confirmed in a loose sense. But Nov 8th - Dec 2nd before longhaul on 5th(?) Dec.

ATCOlad

Booked out to MAD on 12th back 13th Nov.
Been assigned 12G/11G 🤷🏼‍♂️ No access to seat map to change, wanted window seats! Anybody ring and have success changing? Seat Alert shows the outbound filling up….