As the airline reactivates more of its A380s and returns the aircraft to service, by winter 2024, Etihad will be serving four services across three destinations with the iconic Airbus A380-800. The newest destination to see the aircraft type will be the French capital - Paris.

(Re)Growing A380 operations

Just a couple of years ago, Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways was unsure if the Airbus A380 had a place in the airline's fleet in the post-pandemic world. While this was a common uncertainty with all A380 operators (apart from the likes of Emirates and British Airways), many carriers brought back the type into service, and Etihad was no exception.

The carrier resumed A380 operations on one of its four daily services to London Heathrow Airport (LHR) last summer, and soon after, Etihad began deploying the aircraft type on a second daily service. Then, earlier this year, the airline launched A380 operations to New York (JFK).

With the A380 appearing on services to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) starting Friday, November 1st, Etihad will have four daily operations to 3 destinations.

Only half the fleet!

Etihad only ever ordered 10 A380s, of which four aircraft are currently operational, and a fifth aircraft was reactivated last month and ferried to the airline's home at Abu Dhabi Zayed International Airport (AUH). This aircraft will have to undergo maintenance and certain checks before it can be deployed into commercial service.

Considering half the A380s still remain in storage and Etihad is growing its route network to cope with the year-on-year passenger growth, it is quite possible to see the remaining five A380s rejoin the fleet in the future.

Prior to the pandemic, Etihad operated its A380s to its current destinations but also to destinations such as Seoul, South Korea and twice daily to Sydney, Australia. Currently, the airline operates 11 weekly flights to Seoul using its Boeing 787-9s and daily services to Sydney using its Boeing 777-300s and 787-9s.

Superior products

While Etihad offers great onboard products and services with their Airbus A350-1000s and Boeing 787s, the A380 remains the passenger favorite. While passengers flying in economy enjoy the sheer size and space available onboard, premium passengers love the offerings onboard the A380s, such as the onboard bar for business class passengers, while first class passengers have access to the onboard shower facilities.

However, Etihad also has its special, one of a kind Residence three-room-suite onboard its A380s. With a living room, a bedroom and a bathroom, the Residence is one of the most exclusive products in commercial aviation, capable of accommodating up to two passengers.

Not just the passengers of Etihad, but the Airbus A380 is a favorite among airline customers worldwide just because of the creative amenities airlines can offer their customers onboard the quad-jet due to the area available.

While the Etihad A380 features the Residence, various airlines around the world have been creative with the onboard space available and feature various luxurious amenities.

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  Etihad Airways

  IATA/ICAO Code:

  EY/ETD

  Airline Type:

  Full Service Carrier

  Hub(s):

  Abu Dhabi International Airport

  Year Founded:

  2003

  CEO:

  Tony Douglas

  Country:

  United Arab Emirates