Etihad brings new-look cabins to Australia
Etihad is counting down to the Australian arrival of its all-new product, including the much-hyped The Residence, with sales now open for the June 1 start of its daily Airbus A380 services to Sydney.
The new services will offer an “unrivalled level” of comfort to travellers on the Sydney route, according to president and chief executive James Hogan.
“The new living spaces on our A380s will raise inflight product and service standards to the highest level ever in commercial aviation and change forever travellers’ expectations of air travel,” he said.
“Ours are not only the most advanced aircraft cabins in the industry, they meet all weight, range and cost targets at our desired seat count.”
The aircraft will initially replace Boeing 777-300 aircraft to operate Etihad’s daily services EY454 and EY455 between Abu Dhabi and Sydney
B777-300 aircraft will operate the airlines' additional four weekly services between the two ports, with three B777 flights from partner airline Virgin Australia taking their combined service to double daily.
As a result of the changes, weekly capacity on the route will rise by 1,320 seats to total 4,784 seats in each direction.
Tourism Australia managing Director John O'Sullivan described Etihad as one of its most important aviation partners, with recent collaboration including a Memorandum of Understanding worth up to $16m and the airline’s sponsorship of the Australian Tourism Exchange in Cairns.
“The airline has shown huge confidence in its Australian operations, introducing new services, building additional frequency and, now, by pointing one of its first A380s towards our shores,” he said.
"With the solid growth in international visitors we're seeing, particularly the bounce-back in travel out of the UK and Europe, the introduction of the world's largest commercial passenger aircraft is a powerful indication of the airline's continued confidence in the Australian market."
Etihad claimed to have redefined the standard of premium air travel when it unveiled the new product for its Boeing 787 Dreamliner and A380 aircraft in May this year.
The carrier said the first and business class cabins, which were five years in the making, represent the “next phase of flying”.
The quality of its economy cabin, and the travelling experience of less affluent passengers, was also lifted, with senior executives insisted the 787 and A380 enhancements “were for the comfort and enjoyment of all”.
Etihad takes delivery of its first A380 in December and a second in early 2015 with London the first route to be served, and Sydney the second.
Melbourne will follow in 2016 while Brisbane and Perth are on a list of 40 destinations to served, over time, by the airline's new Boeing 787 Dreamliners.
Check out the new-look A380 cabins here.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
a380 airlines etihad james hogan sydneyLatest News
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