Sydney route to join Etihad’s all-A380 operation from the end of October

Above, the frist class cabin at Etihad's Airbus A380 aircraft. Courtesy Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways will have an ‘all-A380 operation’ for its twice daily flights to Sydney from the end of October to meet rising demand.

With the three-room suite plus 496 seats, the double decker aircraft will join London and New York as an “all-A380 operation”, the company said.

“By introducing the A380 on the second daily flight, we are able to ensure our flagship product is on all of the Sydney services each week,” said the Etihad Airways chief executive Peter Baumgartner.

“The upgrade of this service will help fulfil growing demand, benefiting travellers to and from Abu Dhabi, and across Etihad Airways’ global network.”

Etihad’s three daily London Heathrow flights are operated with an A380. Beginning June 1, the second daily New York service will be upgraded to the superjumbo.

Travellers to Sydney can depart Abu Dhabi at 9:25am and 22:15pm for the 14-hour flight. However, this comes after the Australian government joined the United States and United Kingdom to require additional screening for passengers traveling from the UAE.

“Sydney is one of our busiest and best performing long-haul routes where we have experienced increased demand, particularly in our premium cabins, since the launch 10 years ago,” said Mr Baumgartner.

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