Etihad Airways Will Operate Airbus A380 Until at Least 2032

Etihad A380 (Source)

At the end of 2022, Etihad Airways officially announced the return of four Airbus A380 aircraft. On July 25, 2023, the superjumbo made its comeback at Etihad after being grounded during the pandemic. It is now operating on two routes. Recently, Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of the Etihad Aviation Group, discussed how long the superjumbo will remain in service with Etihad.

Airbus A380 in Service with Etihad Until at Least 2032

In late May 2024, Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves gave an interview to the portal "aerotelegraph," where he spoke about the strategy of the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, covering various topics such as the route network and the fleet. Neves stated that the remaining Airbus A380s will fly for Etihad until at least 2032, potentially even longer. This is good news for fans of the superjumbo and those who want to experience the Etihad First Class Apartment or "The Residence." Etihad has reactivated four out of its ten Airbus A380s, with the remaining six decommissioned.

Paris to Become Third A380 Destination

The first returning Airbus A380 from Etihad took off from Abu Dhabi on July 25, 2023, and landed approximately 7.5 hours later in London Heathrow. London was Etihad's only A380 destination for several months until the route to New York was resumed. On April 22, 2024, an Etihad Airbus A380 took over one of the two daily flights between Abu Dhabi and New York JFK after a multi-year hiatus. Starting November 1, 2024, Paris will also be served by the superjumbo.

Onboard: Etihad First Class Apartment and "The Residence"

“The Residence” onboard Etihad’s A380 (Source)

With the four A380s, Etihad not only increases overall capacity but also brings back its flagship products "The Residence" and the Etihad First Class Apartment. "The Residence" offers a three-room suite with a private living room, bedroom, bathroom, and a personal butler. The Etihad First Class Apartment is a spacious, enclosed cabin on the upper deck of the Airbus A380, featuring a separate seat and a bed.

Booking the Etihad First Class Apartment with Etihad Guest Miles

The most straightforward way to book the Etihad First Class Apartment is through Etihad's own frequent flyer program, Etihad Guest. According to the Etihad Guest Calculator, a one-way First Class flight between Abu Dhabi and London is available from 120,000 miles. However, A380 First Class flights typically cost 140,000 miles one way. Additional fees of 1,195 AED (about $325) apply.

In the opposite direction, fees are 449 GBP (about $550), largely due to the UK's Air Passenger Duty. With American Express Membership Rewards points transferable to Etihad Guest at a 5:4 ratio, the flight can be booked for approximately 175,000 Membership Rewards points.

First Class flights from Abu Dhabi to New York cost 200,000 Etihad Guest miles plus fees of 2,435 AED (about $660). First Class flights on the Boeing 777 or 787 are cheaper at 160,000 miles. For the Paris route, a similar price of 140,000 miles one way is expected.

Booking the Etihad First Class Apartment with AAdvantage Miles

Etihad also partners with American Airlines. According to the AAdvantage award chart, First Class flights between London and Abu Dhabi require only 62,500 miles one way, plus taxes and fees of around $306. First Class Apartment flights between Abu Dhabi and New York cost 115,000 miles one way. The AAdvantage award search feature makes it easy to check availability throughout the year.

While the Etihad program generally offers better availability compared to AAdvantage, Air Canada's Aeroplan program currently seems to have no access to Etihad First Class. These flights may be bookable by phone.