Etihad reveals Airbus A380 routes: Sydney, Melbourne, London, New York
By David Flynn, June 6 2013
Etihad Airways plans to fly its Airbus A380s to Sydney, Melbourne, London and New York when the airline begins to take delivery of the A380 in late 2014.
Etihad has 10 superjumbos on order, and each will carry a standard three-class layout of first, business and economy.
According to the Centre For Aviation, Etihad CEO James Hogan also expects delivery of the first of 40 Boeing 787-9s towards the end of next year.
Etihad's order of 40 Dreamliners will be split into two class and three class versions.
Qatar Airways also had 10 superjumbos on the books for delivery in 2014, although both airlines are dwarfed by Gulf carrier kingpin Emirates, which already has 33 A380s in the air from a total order of 90.
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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
20 Nov 2012
Total posts 41
I hope Brisbane sees an upgrade to at least 787s when they arrive.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
06 May 2011
Total posts 35
I would prefer a bne-auh direct service instead of via sin over a choice of aircraft anyday.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
20 Nov 2012
Total posts 41
Yes that would be even better.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
15 Aug 2012
Total posts 171
This will be a big improvement on the A340, firstly due to the benefits of the newer aircraft, but this might make the ability for Etihad to discount more as the A340 are very costly to run compared to the newer aircraft available now.
Etihad
23 Jan 2013
Total posts 175
I have mixed feelings about EY purchasing A380s. While quieter and nicer than current aircraft, the business offering grows significantly.
Instead of being 1 in 28 passengers you become 1 in 80. The smaller feel of the cabin disappears and from what I've seen of other airlines, tray service quality declines as there are so many more people.
But I do like the new business seats and these will certainly make an appearance. It's a bit touch and go with the A340s at the moment - some are the inferior sea green and others are the newer beige seats.
But looking to the immediate future, it looks like Sydney to Abu Dhabi will be mostly serviced by 777s from now until the A380 makes an appearance.
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