Etihad: Airbus A380s will return, Airbus A350 deliveries to follow
The superjumbo will fly again, Etihad promises, and it'll be joined by the new Airbus A350-1000.
By David Flynn, May 27 2020
Etihad Airways says it has no plans to ditch its flagship Airbus A380s and remains "committed to the delivery" of the Airbus A350-1000, although "the global network" is under review in light of the impact of the coronavirus on worldwide travel demand.
All ten of the Gulf carrier's superjumbos – home to the opulent three-room Residence and nine spacious first class Apartment suites – remain grounded, with Etihad's current schedule relying on the Boeing 777 and Boeing 787.
An earlier report by news service Reuters claimed the fate of the A380 hinged on forecasts of the post-coronavirus travel market.
Etihad says its Airbus A380s – and their spacious first class Apartment suites – will return to the skies.
However, an Etihad spokesman assured Executive Traveller that "the Airbus A380 remains an important part of the Etihad fleet and is well suited to a number of key routes, which are planned to be gradually reintroduced once international restrictions are lifted, and global travel picks up."
Likewise, he denied claims that the airline could cancel its outstanding order for the Airbus A350-1000, saying "Etihad is also committed to the delivery of its future fleet of Airbus A350-1000s and has selected the routes to be operated by this aircraft."
Could Etihad's Boeing 787 first class suite also appear on its Airbus A350-1000 jets?
Etihad has 20 A350-1000s on order, the first of which were due to begin flying in 2019. The airline has yet to detail if those jets would include four first class suites similar to those of its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, or if the A350s will top out at business class using the airline's Business Studio seats.
Also read: These designs show how the Airbus A350 can embrace first class
David Flynn is the Editor-in-Chief of Executive Traveller and a bit of a travel tragic with a weakness for good coffee, shopping and lychee martinis.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
16 Apr 2013
Total posts 47
oh how I've missed flying in The Residence.
04 Dec 2017
Total posts 60
The Middle East's Virgin Australia.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
06 Nov 2014
Total posts 367
If EY owns those A380, then there is no rush to get rid of them. Perhaps it is not economical to fly them now, but they can still make good use of them, like make them a restaurant? Make it like a experience of what flying world's best first class is like. Many people may never have the chance to fly first class in their life time, but, for a fraction of the cost, they can experience the splendor of flying in first class.
Further more can allow people to sleep overnight with different prices for residence, apartment and business studio. May not be as comfy as a hotel room, but can have dine on demand option, free access to all beverages, and take home souvenir of PJ and amenity kit. If the price is right I think it would be a great revenue generator.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
08 Jun 2014
Total posts 255
On the ground or in the air?
Singapore Airlines - KrisFlyer
14 Jan 2014
Total posts 318
Oh this has brightened up my day!! Love both the A380 and the A350!!
06 Nov 2019
Total posts 9
Their A380 really is stunning. The First Apartments are sublime, the lobby is really beautiful and their Business Studios are Incredible (i can bring my own PJs- I dont mind) and their bathrooms are just magnificent. Even downstairs in Economy its boutique.
Etihad A380- the only way to fly.
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