New behind-the-scenes footage released on social media shows Etihad Airways carrying out the final inspections of its ultra-luxury Airbus A380s ahead of their return to the skies on July 15, 2023.
The Abu Dhabi-based carrier is set to relaunch four Airbus A380 superjumbo jets for an exclusive seven-hour route between Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) and London-Heathrow (LHR) on flights EY11/EY12.
Etihad’s fleet of 10 A380s has been in storage at either Spain’s Teruel Airport (TEV) or Tarbes–Lourdes–Pyrénées Airport (LDE) in France for almost three years. However, due to a surge in demand for air travel across the airline’s network at least four superjumbo jets are to be revived following a service program to ensure the aircraft are fully airworthy.
The move marks the return of Etihad’s previous high-end luxury service, although with some modifications, for example, the dedicated butler service previously available as part of The Residence suite will no longer be offered.
Nevertheless, the revived superjumbos will feature the airline’s most impressive premium cabins, including The Residence: a three-room suite on board with a dedicated bedroom, bathroom, and living room. Each of the jumbo jets comes equipped with nine apartments, 70 Business studios, and 405 Economy Smart seats, 80 of which are Economy Space.
The Residence suite will be offered as an upgrade to first class passengers on selected flights, bookings for this premium boost are now open, priced at approximately $2,500 per person.
Starting from July 15, 2023, the Etihad Airbus A380s is scheduled to operate on a daily basis, offering what the airline has claimed to be an “experience you’ll never forget”.
