Etihad Airways to deploy four A380s on Abu Dhabi-London route from 2023

Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways will be reintroducing four of its A380s from next year, it announced on December 9.

The carrier expects to return four of its double-decker aircraft to the fleet in the summer of 2023, with plans to operate to London Heathrow.

This would free up capacity for increased frequencies on existing routes and the launch of new destinations, Etihad said in a statement. The return of A380s’ will be supported by the addition of five A320 aircraft.

“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.

The A380 aircraft features The Residence as well as three cabin classes, including nine first apartments, 70 business studios and 405 economy smart seats. This includes 80 economy space seats with a seat pitch of up to 36 inches.

“We have decided the time is right to return some of our A380s into the fleet to satisfy the demand which has made them financially viable once more. We look forward to welcoming our guests again on board this remarkable aircraft,” added Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways.

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The nine first apartments set across a single-aisle, offer a private living space with a large leather lounge chair and an ottoman, which expands to become a fully-flat bed. It also offers a LCD TV monitor and a personal vanity unit.

The Lobby, available to guests in first and business class, is a serviced lounge and bar area located between the two cabins, featuring leather sofas, refreshments and a large TV with a USB connection.

Etihad is currently prepping the aircraft to fly again, including recruiting and training A380 teams, which cover pilots, cabin crew and technical ground staff.