Etihad Airways is set to reintroduce its A380 ‘super-jumbo’ fleet in 2023 following a "surge in demand" from travellers, the Abu-Dhabi-based carrier announced on Friday (9 December).
Four of the super-jumbo aircraft will operate on routes between Abu Dhabi and London Heathrow, with the first to be reintroduced from summer 2023.
“The A380’s reintroduction provides a further boost to Etihad’s capacity into the key UK market, with a knock-on effect for the wider GCC and Indian subcontinent that will bring more visitors to the city of Abu Dhabi,” said Mohammed Ali Al Shorafa, chairman of Etihad Aviation Group.
Etihad Airways CEO Antonoaldo Neves added that “the time is right” to return the A380s into the fleet to meet “demand which has made them financially viable once more”.
The carrier’s double-decker aircraft features The Residence, a private apartment that includes a living room, bathroom and private bedroom, and three cabin classes – nine First Apartments, 70 Business Studios and 405 Economy Seats. There’s also a serviced lounge and bar area available to travellers in First and Business class.
Following a recent increase in daily services to London Heathrow, the carrier said in 2023 it will look to increase frequencies on existing routes and launch services to new destinations.