Etihad Airways will expand its Airbus A380 network by launching a new service between Abu Dhabi (AUH) and Sydney (SYD) next year. The airline plans to operate selected double-decker flights on that route beginning in June 2015.
Etihad expects to take delivery of the first of 10 new A380 aircraft later this year. The carrier will initially deploy the aircraft on flights between Abu Dhabi and London Heathrow (LHR) starting December 27. From May 2015, Etihad’s London Heathrow service, which runs three times daily, will be operated exclusively with the 496-seat A380.
In addition to the A380 rollout, Etihad will introduce its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on six routes between December and June. The Dreamliner will begin flying to Düsseldorf (DUS) and Doha (DOH) from December; to Washington, D.C. (IAD) and Mumbai (BOM) from January; and to Brisbane (BNE) and Moscow (DME) from June. These fleet additions reflect Etihad’s broader strategy to increase capacity and enhance passenger experience across its global network.
The phased introduction of both the A380 and the 787-9 allows Etihad to tailor aircraft deployment to market demand while offering passengers the amenities and space associated with these widebody aircraft. Travelers on the Airbus A380 can expect a high-capacity cabin layout suited for long-haul flights, while the Boeing 787-9 will provide improved fuel efficiency and a refreshed onboard environment for the routes it serves.
By expanding A380 services to Sydney and concentrating A380 operations on high-demand London flights, Etihad aims to strengthen connectivity between its Abu Dhabi hub and major international markets. The addition of Dreamliner services to several key destinations will further diversify the airline’s fleet mix and increase frequency and comfort on popular long-haul and regional routes.