Etihad Airways is to introduce its second Airbus A380 on its Abu Dhabi to London route from tomorrow as it looks to boost passenger numbers between the UAE and UK.
“By August of 2015, all three daily flights on this flagship route will be operated by the A380, offering our guests unparalleled luxury and superior in-flight technology,” said Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways chief commercial officer.
The airline said a third A380 will be added to its twice daily Abu Dhabi to Sydney service in June, offering a one-stop connection from London.
Last year, Etihad carried 533,615 guests to and from London Heathrow. It has a further eight A380s on order.
The Airbus A380 has just celebrated a decade in the skies, but has had no new orders for two years
Etihad’s latest version of the plane contains The Residence - a three room cabin with a dedicated Savoy-trained butler.
A Miami-based businessman was the first passenger to use the luxury service, paying US$20,000 for the flight in December. Etihad said The Residence was sold out for its first 10 flights.
Etihad’s A380 also has nine First Apartments and 70 Business Studios, plus The Lobby - a lounge located between First Class and Business Class - and 417 economy seats.
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