A MASSIVE A380 aircraft that has been based at Prestwick Airport since May is set to leave on Friday morning.

The Global Airlines aircraft is due to take off for the final time from South Ayrshire around 11.40am.

Global has signed a contract with German company Elbe Flugzeugwerke for the aircraft to undergo base maintenance inspection in Dresden.

The airline has confirmed that the aircraft, registered 9H-GLOBL, “will undergo all necessary maintenance, including mandatory inspections and component replacements, before repositioning within Europe for an interior overhaul, ahead of starting operations in 2025”.

Global said: “The aircraft, that flew from the Mojave Desert in California to Prestwick Airport on May 1, will now take its next step towards starting operations as the Global project reaches the next stage of development.

"Extensive return to service work has already been carried out as the aircraft continues its journey back to the skies.

"Global Airlines and EFW are now working closely with Airbus on flight conditions and the tasks that will be required for the major maintenance. This will now be undertaken as part of a comprehensive deal with EFW.”