{"id":71189,"date":"2024-10-10T21:39:58","date_gmt":"2024-10-10T16:09:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/?p=71189"},"modified":"2024-10-10T21:40:04","modified_gmt":"2024-10-10T16:10:04","slug":"etihad-to-revive-two-a380-new-us-destination-on-horizon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/2024\/10\/10\/etihad-to-revive-two-a380-new-us-destination-on-horizon\/","title":{"rendered":"Etihad to Revive Two A380, New US Destination on Horizon"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

BAHRAIN-<\/strong> Etihad Airways (EY) <\/a>plans to reactivate two more Airbus A380s<\/a> in 2025, bringing its superjumbo fleet to seven.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer Arik De announced at the Routes World conference that the sixth and seventh A380s will return in February and June 2025, respectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Etihad
Photo: By Mitchul Hope – Etihad Airways | A6-APB | Airbus A380-861 | London Heathrow Airport (LHR\/EGLL), CC BY-SA 2.0, https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/w\/index.php?curid=129305775<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Etihad to Revive Two A380<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The airline will deploy these A380s on routes to Singapore (SIN) and an undisclosed destination. Etihad resumed A380 operations in 2023, initially serving London Heathrow (LHR) from Abu Dhabi (AUH). The carrier has since expanded its A380 service to Mumbai (BOM), New York (JFK), and Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This revival contradicts early pandemic predictions of the A380’s obsolescence. Qatar Airways (QR)<\/a> former CEO Akbar Al Baker had dismissed the aircraft as a “mistake” during the crisis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, surging post-pandemic travel demand and aircraft delivery delays from Airbus and Boeing have prompted airlines to reactivate their A380 fleets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Etihad’s decision reflects the A380’s renewed importance in meeting high passenger volumes on key routes. The aircraft’s resurgence demonstrates its continued viability in the current aviation landscape, despite earlier skepticism about its future in airline fleets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chief Revenue Officer Arik De expressed surprise at this turnaround, reflecting the airline industry’s rapid shift in aircraft strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lufthansa and Qatar Airways have similarly reactivated their A380 fleets, indicating a broader industry trend. Etihad’s A380s are renowned for their luxurious Residence product, a three-room private cabin in first class, which will remain a key feature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The airline is investing $750 million in cabin refurbishments across its A380, Boeing 787, and Boeing 777 fleets. A380 updates will focus on soft furnishings and potentially expanding the 70-seat business-class cabin. Most of the investment will target Etihad’s 43 Boeing 787s and 14 Boeing 777s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Further, the carrier\u2019s fleet has expanded from 65 aircraft post-pandemic to 96 this year, representing a 40% annual growth rate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Etihad
Photo: Etihad<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Potential US Destination<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Etihad Airways plans to announce a new U.S. destination soon, expanding its American network. Chief Revenue Officer Arik De hinted the new route is “not a usual suspect,” <\/strong>suggesting it differs from previously served cities like Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Los Angeles (LAX)<\/a>, and San Francisco (SFO).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Currently, Etihad serves Boston, Chicago O’Hare, New York JFK, and Washington Dulles from Abu Dhabi. The airline partners with JetBlue, leveraging its strong presence in Boston and New York.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Etihad projects a 24% increase in U.S. seat capacity for 2024 compared to 2013. However, this capacity remains 30% below its 2017 peak, reflecting the airline’s restructuring after rapid expansion and questionable investments in smaller airlines globally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The carrier benefits from Abu Dhabi International Airport’s only Department of Homeland Security preclearance facility outside Canada<\/a>, the Caribbean, and Europe. This allows Etihad’s U.S.-bound flights to arrive as domestic flights, streamlining the arrival process for passengers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Further, the airline will reveal 11 new destinations on November 25, with an additional 20 cities to be announced in January or February 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Join us on\u00a0Telegram Group\u00a0<\/a>for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on\u00a0Google News<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Etihad Bets Big on Airbus A321LR, Eyes 30 New Destinations<\/a><\/blockquote>