After almost 20 years in service, the end is approaching for Qantas' fleet of Airbus A380 superjumbos, with the Flying Kangaroo slated to retire the aircraft type in the 2030s in favour of smaller and more efficient wide-body twinjets.

As rumours swirl that Qantas is in talks with Boeing and Airbus to buy more 787s or A350s, could these potential orders be the replacement for its A380s – and how soon will the double-decker leviathans of the sky vanish completely?

On this week's Australian Aviation Podcast, Jake and David compare the options for Qantas' wide-body fleet renewal and ask whether a smaller plane can do the work of the A380.

Plus, a major milestone for Project Sunrise as the first A350-1000ULR takes to the skies for its rigorous testing program.