Exclusive Etihad A380 Hangar Visit: Heavy Maintenance on the Superjumbo!

Take an exclusive look inside the Etihad Engineering hangar and join Gabe Leigh for a tour inside and all around one of the Airbus A380 aircraft the airline is bringing back into service. In this video A6-APH is just starting out its heavy maintenance check after being brought back from long-term storage, so we get to see what it looks like as dozens of staff rush around removing every last thing from the cabins - including all wall and other panels. That means we get to see what things look like under the surface, right down to the wires and the floorboards. We also speak to a handful of people at Etihad and Etihad Engineering about what goes in to this process. A real treat. And a couple of months from now this aircraft will be ready to rejoin the fleet!
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SECTIONS:
00:33 Tour of the grounds Etihad Engineering
04:09 Inside the hangar
06:22 Onboard the A380
09:27 What goes into the C-check
14:04 Hangar floor tour
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[@I7470]

Hats off to the unsung heroes at engineering department who keeps the aircraft, passengers and crew safe. No one thinks about their existence

[@mikethompson3534]

In America engineers are considered as scum and liability to the bottom line

[@topform4665]

They're hidden heroes

[@soilentgreen7]

this isn't america, hope that helps@@mikethompson3534

[@sbblmb]

Pretty sure they're not unsung heroes. UK and German Aviation engineers are indeed the cream of the crop

[@DrMD-1]

@@mikethompson3534true. Which is why compared to pilots, they’re paid pennies. But hey, as long as they do their work, who cares right?

[@darkandcute40]

Great video. Thanks Etihad for letting us see the incredible work that goes one behind the scenes to keep the mighty A380 flying safely. Please bring all of them back into service. What was missing for me was the maintenance of the toilet systems which of all the things on the A380 is a marvel in of itself

[@xraylife]

Fantastic news that these superb planes loved by the passengers are coming back into service.

[@paulbessell6154]

The design and technology behind these machines is just staggering. It's incredible what humans can achieve. It's basically a flying town.

[@T.E.S.S.]

no it isn't "basically a flying town", oh my god

[@jamesyt5856]

@@T.E.S.S.a380 can sit 800 people and many towns have less than that?

[@soilentgreen7]

shut up@@T.E.S.S.

[@sudhindrakopalle7071]

Amazing to see this. It is fascinating how much technology goes into these 600 ton giants of the sky and even more intriguing is how it is all pulled apart and put back together. Totally in awe.

[@Flightradar24DotCom]

Yeah it is incredible!

[@shawnpcalhoun62]

Absolutely one of the best Flightradar24 videos of all time. Thanks @gabriel ✈

[@muhammadnimji4626]

Wow! This is absolutely mind boggling to see the amount of work that goes into this inspection. If I understood correctly, Etihad have a staff of 2,000 in heavy maintenance with 900 full time working on this aircraft. The expense to maintain these aircraft's is unreal! The human endeavor in developing such technologically advanced flying birds is supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!! Thank you!

[@4tehlulz]

I think he meant that 950 work on maintenance across all hangars, on the ground, with the rest being support staff in the shops and all other admin jobs.

[@robertstewart4730]

Gabriel, your vidoes are always very good, but this one is very special and it makes one marvel at the complexity of the constuction and operation of such a huge beast of an aircraft. Congratulations to Ethihac for allowing you access to such a busy workspace.

[@Flightradar24DotCom]

Thank you!

[@lemonOs1]

@@Flightradar24DotComI am a big fan and I always use ur radar app and I track my plane when I’m on a plane😮

[@HB45175]

The A380 is the best, spacious and quiet.

[@noelyboy6969]

Best plane i ever flew on.

[@andrewlavey6992]

These guys and gals in the maintenance engineering do an excellent job!

[@jamessmitka8066]

That is a whole lot of aluminum! The intro could have been shorter, but this video is a wonderful opportunity for people to see what it takes for planes, in general, to become something that acts like a “magic carpet”, or in this case a flying hotel to take you from point A to B. I understand it is mainly about non aerodynamic engineering because it only focuses inside. The viewer though gets to see that the owners of all aircraft must mandatorily take care of the aircrafts we all fly in. It also shows why your airline ticket is costly. It is very costly to operate all shapes and sizes of aircraft and the size of the A380 is truly mind boggling indeed. Would love to see more videos as this one. THANKS - Jim

[@ericgeorge7874]

Mr Doherty regarding stripping to rebuilding: "...not quite as easy as an Ikea kit.". Very much! Thanks Etihad and Flightradar24 for the tour.

[@AndersMagrioteli]

Surprising how fast this overhaul is done, considering the size of the aircraft and its zillion of parts. An amazing achievement.

[@AndersMagrioteli]

@@dr5290 That’s the spirit. 👍🏼

[@dalemullins4562]

OMG I could listen to David talk all day long!

[@jamesgay3207]

What an amazing experience to get behind the scenes. Great work

[@Ahmad0925]

My Fabourite Aircraft Airbus A380. Amazing video ..... From Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 🇲🇾🇲🇾🇲🇾🇲🇾🇲🇾

[@rog412]

This is a brilliant video, thank you for showing us the amount of work that goes into bringing this magnificent Aircraft back into service.

[@martynbragg2286]

An amazing insight into an amazing airlines maintenance schedule. Thank you Gabriel for another great video your talent with a camera is best in the business.

[@jefesman]

This is an amazing video to watch!!!! Definitely puts into perspective how complex these machines are and how much dedication it takes by so many individuals to maintain the equipment. Thank you for sharing!

[@pmarmify]

I love the A380

[@JohnWishart]

This is my next fav to the 747 double decker

[@JojoEarth]

Such a cool video thanks etihad for letting youtubers and us in

[@Blueberrycookie7]

Love this video papa. ❤ great, great content as usual. Thank you for sharing with us.

[@vishwanathchidambaram7241]

So it is not just the airframe, this workshop also does the engines!

[@MH-gh]

🤩WoWWoWWoW🤩 …David seems a cool guy (love his hair style😅) & 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 to the whole Team working behind the scenes that we don’t really see or even at times think about

[@ZengoMay]

Appears to be more of a challenge to dismantle and reassemble than to build. Really quite amazing. If all goes to plan I’ll be flying A380 AUH to LHR next month.

[@soilentgreen7]

nope, airlines buy fuel 6 months in advance@@dr5290

[@phil4977]

Excellent video. Amazing to see how they perform the maintenance checks.

[@sfoaviation]

I just bought a 1/200 scale Gemini Jets Etihad A380 and I'm blown away by this aircrafts paint scheme. A true gem!! 💎💎💎💎

[@neil9143]

love flying A380

[@davidrobert9555]

Amazing video, very comprehensive maintenance programme led by competent leaders. TOP AIRLINE

[@Flightradar24DotCom]

Many thanks!

[@philhowells7715]

Gabriel, that was an amazing behind the scenes tour of the refurbishment of an amazing plane with Etihad, thank you. I wish Etihad would run behind the scenes tours, like some other airports do. ETIHAD, that was a little hint! 😉 What would I rather, a personal tour of an A380 refurb or a flight in The Residence? I know which is more likely to happen (especially if I get upgraded on one of the few Etihad flights I've got booked soon 🤣🤣)

[@johniii8147]

They don't really upgrade to the Residence.

[@demetriusvanspranghe]

Your best video so far! Thanks for sharing this!

[@steveamurray59]

Excellent, Thanks.

[@Dutchbird757]

That was fascinating and nicely done!

[@MrMaxyield]

This is amazing. What a finely tuned machine...!! A perfect operation!

[@jkelly1701]

Great video that was amazing

[@martinvareed8756]

Amazing video..thanks....

[@danielledesma3731]

Muy bueno!!!👏👏. Excelente video. Gracias por hacernos conocer el interior y mantenimiento de este espectacular avión. Fantástico!!!

[@johnclauder615]

So interesting, thank you.

[@roderickcampbell2105]

A very special video. I was at rapt attention for every second. Many thanks.

[@Oregon696969]

I HAVE CALCULATED THAT ONE PERSON COULD PERFORM THIS JOB IN 10 YEARS.

[@GrafHenry]

Absolutly stunning

[@thegrinch8161]

Thank you etihad this video had myself and my brother glued it all the way through and should show people that without people on seats they wouldn’t have a business

[@flyingteecake6170]

Etihad ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@JelmersAviation]

Thats an amazing video man!

[@SandrinesVoxServices]

Merci !!

[@chrisreddy4815]

Fantastic vid 👏

[@flyingteecake6170]

Danke !!

[@Alawi1964]

Awesome Video, Aircraft and a great Airline.

[@williamfraser27]

It looks an enormous task 😮

[@MiturBinEsderty]

Unseen by many excellent video

[@timames4405]

Good video and interviews with Etihad staff.

[@phileagle8432]

What a great tour of Etihad Engineering and a stripped down A380! Fabulous!

[@anthonywallace8534]

Wow wow what a very interesting video I loved it from start to finish please make some more of other planes 😊

[@Nature59099]

just wow

[@haskenwazirinkano]

ETIHAD is my best airline in the world 🌎 ❤

[@williamwilliam728]

The size of these behemoths is so prevalent with all the cabin removed. Absolutely amazing this monster can actually get off the ground.

[@soilentgreen7]

anything can with enough thrust and lift

[@timpulmanAustralia]

Can you make the next video about three times longer. Just great stuff!,

[@whylowy]

Exciting

[@tlantis]

16:41 Glad you got that sign in shot 😂

[@techdefined9420]

Very interesting video. Some A380 Facts: The A380 RAT is the world biggest, the A380 APU is the most powerful with 1.2 Megawatt, the A380 has the biggest and first wingbox ever made out of monolithic carbon fiber(tail is also monolithic carbonfiber), the most complex aircraft worldwide with 530km of wiring, more than 110000 connectors, 25000 sensors. The A380 combines more than 400 patents and new technologies.

[@gerrib1633]

Interesting to see an aircraft I’ll be on in under 6 weeks down to bare bones!

[@moethakim551]

I hope it’s comes back to Sydney miss it so much Gabriel what’s the music you have been playing in the background called I love it

[@sfoaviation]

This guy is a legend he has access everywhere 😂❤❤❤❤

[@Dirk-van-den-Berg]

What I would like to know as a very tall person (2,00 metres) is whether the economyclass on the lowerdeck is configured so that even people with long legs can fit relatively easy.

[@bernardkealey6449]

Can confirm. On Etihad, Emirates, and Qantas all ok. Best seats on the lower deck on any A380 is the window seat, row behind any exit row, as exit rows don’t have an A or K, and u end up with 3m leg room ;-)

[@GingerBearNZ]

The tour guide is super handsome ❤

[@Craigcul]

Very interesting. Good to see I am sure that Etihad is glad to be able to use these aircraft again as it must be a big investment to purchase and then for them to just be put into storage the aircraft are not earing thier keep. I am assuming any upgrades or modifications that the manufacturers have published will be done during this mantance.

[@l2etranger]

This visit makes the aircraft more approachable and less intimidating. For many that never flew in it, it is such an advanced machine, it has become a symbol of opulence for the jet set which is the opposite Airbus wanted.

[@CrimeMastarGoGo]

Thank you for this, FR24 team. Thoroughly enjoyed it. One small nitpick, shots like the pirouette at 6:50 are [to me atleast] a bit unpleasant to watch on desktop monitors up close.

[@spionsilver9626]

A 380 is a legend ! already !

[@christianeduardo1]

Great video, I just wished it lasted longer 😊

[@ianhamilton396]

It's not quite an IKEA kit ! - Well thank the dear lord for that 😅

[@Subgunman]

How many months does the dreaded D check take? Many airlines today will "retire" an aircraft instead of doing the D check. Usually that aircraft will go for conversion to freighter service when it is due for its second D check where it will be stripped, inspected and modified for freighter service. Basically correcting any issues that will be found on the check out before modifications take place. Many converted freighters will last at least twelve more years in service until they are finally retired for spares and scrap.

[@jumpingjeffflash9946]

I didn't know A-380's were OOS, they're so new and big. I'd love to fly on one sometime, the queen (747) will always be my favorite to fly on. I'd love to work in an aircraft related field once I'm done w/my current career. I miss aviation.

[@soilentgreen7]

the 747 will no longer be your favourite once you have flown on an A380

[@williamcrossan9333]

The aircraft looks remarkably clean. I'm used to seeing dust and filth on the aircraft I work on.

[@Danny_Roman.]

Wow you ha e the best job in the world. Do you own flightradar24? It's absolutely amazing to think that all that goes inside of an aircraft. Total respect to all the best staff that do all is to keep us safe whilst flying. We'll done you all. ❤

[@bryonhayes1797]

Love the a380 but my heart is with the 747

[@soilentgreen7]

not sure why needed to know that

[@carbonking53]

Bringing the A380's back just in time for the next wave of covid they are cooking up.

[@BaliDroneServices]

02:58 | was that an Airbus A320 of Batik Air from my country, Indonesia? What did it do up there? Livery touch up or engine maintenance?

[@man-with-handle]

Amazing video Gabe but could I politely suggest you pan the camera slower ........ I'm dizzy after watching that!

[@angelaturra74]

Qantas VH-OQA or VH-OQC ?? You Thanks ❤️❤️Show Video from Australia 👋

[@waynebrown7310]

In such a large aircraft, how is quality control ( qc) accomplished in order to be done on time?

[@theworldssexiestman]

Fascinated to see how thin the outer walls are. Anybody here know why the walls on the upper deck of an A380 are SO thick compared to a 777 or A350? Jerry

[@petercraddy3809]

Because the cross-section of the body ins't perfectly spherical, the pressure hull needs to be thicker at that area otherwise there could be a risk of structural failure over time.

[@theworldssexiestman]

@@petercraddy3809 Thanks for the detailed reply. Is that not the same for the other aircraft too though ?? Always surprised by just how much thicker the walls on the upper deck of the A380 are. Jerry

[@soilentgreen7]

no, most aircraft cross sections are circular, the A380 is literally egg shape if you look at it head on @@theworldssexiestman

[@Chris_In_Texas]

Well as of 9/11/23 A6-APH is still in Abu Dhabi, and hasn't flown since 6/21/2023. Must have run into a few hiccups. 🤠🤦‍♂ Going to be good to see the A380's back in the air.

[@Flightradar24DotCom]

The maintenance and heavy check takes close to three months, and it had just started in late July when this was recorded, so I wouldn't expect to see it do much of anything until maybe October. That's all according to schedule.

[@colinashby3775]

I wonder what the weight of all the things are that they take out.

[@random_uploads212]

My father and grandfather work there

[@beijingbond]

Nice video but it would have been better with more explanation of what each area you were in was and what you were specifically showing us.

[@Mdewar7]

I’m starting flight school in Spain soon, does anyone have any tips for me?

[@razzymadeit]

Stick with it even when it gets hard and difficult. The results in the end are worth the hard work, time, passion and dedication you put into your dream. Good luck.

[@davidcole333]

Come to each lesson prepared and be early.

[@theworldssexiestman]

Land with the wheels down ! Jerry

[@WysteriaGuitar]

Dude, you could be a stunt double for Clint Eastwood...

[@JenniferinIllinois]

72 days to take a 380 'down to the studs' , inspect and and then reinstall everything. That's insane!!!!

[@bernardkealey6449]

IF everything is within expectations…

[@johnnymnemonic461]

Great video. I would love to hear more about the challenges and common problems/issues on airplanes that's been stored for a while. There are heavy maintenance documentaries out there but unfortunately they're filmed in this American sensationalized style that makes them annoying to watch.

[@stupid7648]

Show the fual tank's in the wing's 😮

[@kevinAA2022]

Yea I’m glad I don’t work hangar lol I rather keep doing my line maintenance don’t get me wrong I learned a lot from hangar work just feels better to do line lol

[@sebinamuwanga]

Nice but too brief. I waited for several weeks to watch this. It ended too quickly!!!!!!!!

[@mogsyman]

I fly a lot and recently flew Etihad Business from Heathrow to Manila (via AD) about a month ago and whilst I was expecting great things it was a total disappointment. The trip used 787 aircraft (the A380 was due back from Heathrow the following week) and on every leg whilst the aircraft weren’t old, the seating and condition of the switchgear and seat seemed to be that of a 10 year old aircraft. Food was OK but the crew weren’t really interested and to be honest I will now make sure that I schedule my trips so I won’t fly them again. They are light years behind Emirates for example, their Aircraft and crew seem to be on a different level. Shame, I had heard great things about Etihad, but none of it materialised.

[@soilentgreen7]

take your post which has nothing to do with this video elsewhere, I've had no issues on Eitihad

[@zloinaopako]

Are there any Emirati citizens working in the shop? It seems like a 100% expat operation.

[@soilentgreen7]

better to have higher skill set people

[@CaptainKremmen]

Interesting to see the fate of the one Etihad plane I've ever flown on. I loved the shower.

[@singel09]

Image the professionalism needed .. check check re-check final check … with any aircraft undergoing this ..

[@MrMigueldelaO]

The year of lockdown was horrible -- To me this plane is a memorial to that horrible year and all the people who died of COVID. I hope this memorial stays in the skies for many, many years!!! Thanks for your video!!!

[@johniii8147]

Great video! But i'm not sure it's worth all the money and hassle to return such a small fleet. You can tell it's goverment owned to promote rather than real economic viability.

[@soilentgreen7]

oh Boeing fan are you