Etihad Airways has announced plans to return four Airbus A380 aircraft to service in response to growing demand on select international routes, particularly to London.
The airline has indicated that the first of four planned A380s will be back in service by the summer of 2023. Before the outbreak of COVID-19, Etihad Airways had 10 aircraft, all of which are now stored at Spain's Teruel Airport (TEV) or Tarbes – Lourdes–Pyrénées Airport (LDE) in France.
Now Etihad Airways plans to introduce A380 aircraft between Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) and London Heathrow Airport (LHR).
Etihad's four A380 aircraft will be equipped with the most luxurious of the airline's cabin classes, including The Residence. Each plane is equipped with nine suites, 70 Business seats and 405 Economy seats, of which 80 are Economy Space.
The nine apartments are marketed as The Residence: a three-room suite on board an airplane. The suite has a dedicated bedroom, bathroom and living room. Customers will be able to book The Residence from March 2023. From October 2023, all flights to London will offer First Class cabins for discerning guests.