Etihad to launch new A380 route with return of seventh superjumbo
Etihad Airways has announced the return of a seventh Airbus A380 aircraft to its fleet, marking a boost to its capacity on key global routes.
The reintroduction of the superjumbos, which were grounded during the pandemic, comes in response to rising passenger demand for premium travel, the carrier’s chief revenue officer Arik De said at the Routes World 2024 event.
The A380s are operating on routes to London, New York, and soon Paris, which will be served by the A380 from 1 November.
The carrier announced in August that it would start flying the A380 to Singapore from 1 February, 2025.
Speaking at Routes World 2024, De also revealed that a fifth destination will be announced soon. While he did not reveal the location, De said this would be a destination that has never before had an A380 service.
The sixth A380 is expected to return to service in February and the seventh will be back in the Etihad fleet by June.
These aircraft, known for their spacious cabins and luxury amenities, will reintroduce Etihad’s popular First Apartments and The Residence on those high-yield routes, enhancing the carrier’s offering on long-haul services.
The decision to bring back the A380s reflects the growing demand for international air travel, particularly in premium cabins, as global tourism and business travel recover.
Etihad aims to strengthen its presence in highly competitive markets like London and New York, where the A380’s capacity and onboard services will cater to both leisure and business travellers.
