Etihad Airways Brings Back Airbus A380s
The Airbus A380 is the largest passenger airliner in the world. However, Airbus stopped production of the four-engine jumbo jet at the end of 2021 due to low demand from carriers.
The A380 is only profitable with a high load factor, and only the world’s largest airports have facilities to handle it. But at least one airline is making a U-turn and adding the aircraft back to its fleet.
Etihad Airways has said that it will reintroduce four of its A380s starting from the summer of 2023 to meet the surge in travel demand. They will operate between Abu Dhabi and London.
“The A380’s reintroduction provides a further boost to Etihad’s capacity into the key UK market,” said Mohammed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman, Etihad Aviation Group.
The reintroduction of the four super-jumbos will free up capacity for increased frequencies on existing routes and the launch of new destinations. The A380s’ return will be supported by the addition of five of their smaller A320 siblings.
Etihad’s A380s feature The Residence as well as three cabin classes on the double-decker aircraft, including 9 First Apartments, 70 Business Studios and 405 Economy Smart Seats. This includes 80 Economy Space seats with a seat pitch of up to 36 inches.
The nine First Apartments set across a single-aisle, offer a private living space with a large leather lounge chair and an ottoman which opens up to become a separate 80.5″ long fully-flat bed. The First Apartment is one of the most spacious in its class and also offers a 24″ swiveling LCD TV monitor and personal vanity unit. For the first time, Etihad plans to eventually offer The Residence as an optional extra for guests to further enhance their First experience.
The Lobby, available to guests in First and Business class, is a serviced lounge and bar area located between the two cabins, featuring leather sofas, refreshments and a large TV with a USB connection.
Etihad is currently preparing the aircraft to fly again. The company is also recruiting and training A380 teams, including pilots, cabin crew and technical ground staff.
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[…] Etihad Airways Will Bring Back Four Airbus A380s […]
These planes are so comfortable that words are not enough. there is no feeling of boredom. there is relief, you do not experience painful barotrauma in your ear.