Etihad Airways has shifted to an all-Airbus A380 operation on its Abu Dhabi (AUH)–New York (JFK) route. The airline runs two daily flights between the cities: one now exclusively operated by the A380 and the other by a Boeing 777-300ER.
The A380 on this route offers Etihad’s four-class cabin configuration: Economy, Business, First and The Residence. With JFK becoming an all-A380 route, it joins London (LHR) and Sydney (SYD) as destinations served solely by the superjumbo. Etihad also plans to introduce the A380 on one of its two daily Paris services for the upcoming summer season.
“The response we have received from our guests traveling between Abu Dhabi and New York since we first launched the A380 service two years ago has been phenomenal. We are delighted to further expand our world-leading product to all guests flying to and from the Big Apple,” said Peter Baumgartner, chief executive officer, Etihad Airways. “By introducing the A380 on the second daily service, we can ensure that every flight delivers the acclaimed service and hospitality, innovative products and technology for which we have become known the world over.”
Etihad began nonstop service to New York JFK in October 2006, upgraded the route to twice-daily in March 2014, and introduced the A380 on the route in November 2015. The move to an all-A380 operation aims to provide consistent onboard experience and expanded premium offerings for travelers between Abu Dhabi and New York.