Etihad Airways to Reinstate Four “Superjumbo” Airbus A380s on Heathrow Route Next Summer

Next summer, Etihad Airways will reinstate four “superjumbo” Airbus A380s on its Heathrow route to make room for more frequent service on other routes and the introduction of additional destinations.

The Gulf airline claimed that the choice was made in response to both customer input and a recent spike in demand throughout its network. Five smaller Airbus A320s will also make a comeback to support the restoration of the A380.

The reintroduction of the A380, according to Mohammed Ali Al Shorafa, chair of Etihad Aviation Group, would “further improve Etihad’s capacity into the vital UK market” and have broader positive effects for the Gulf area and the Indian subcontinent.

The double-decker A380 has three cabin classes including Etihad’s Residence suite.

There are 405 Economy Smart seats, 70 Business studios, and nine First Apartments on each flight.

It is now hiring and training new A380s teams made up of pilots, cabin crew, and technical ground workers in order to get the aircraft ready to fly again.

According to Etihad, the A380’s return will enable it to add new destinations and fly at higher frequency on other routes.

The chief executive of Etihad, Antonoaldo Neves, added: “We know this will be welcomed by our guests who love Etihad’s incredible A380 and its award-winning cabins.

“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.”