Etihad Airways recently launched its inaugural Abu Dhabi-Melbourne A380 flight, EY460. The airline has also begun its new service between Abu Dhabi and Perth with the inaugural flight of its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.
The inaugural Abu Dhabi-Melbourne A380 flight EY460 arrived at Melbourne Airport at 5:45 pm local time where it was welcomed by a traditional water cannon salute. The flagship superjumbo will now operate double daily flights between Melbourne and Abu Dhabi, replacing one of the airline’s three-class Boeing 777-300ER aircraft currently servicing the route.
Etihad Airways’ A380 carries 496 passengers in four separate classes: The Residence, First Apartments, Business Studios and Economy Smart Seats. The addition of this new A380 service will increase the total number of two-way seats on the Melbourne-Abu Dhabi route by 26 percent to more than 11,500 seats per week.
The Residence is unique to Etihad Airways and measures 125 square feet. The space, located on the forward upper deck of the plane, is available for single or double occupancy and includes a living room, separate ensuite shower room and a double bedroom. There is also a large 32 inch LCD monitor in the living room and a separate 24 inch version in the bedroom. Services include a personal Butler, trained at the Savoy Butler Academy in London, and an onboard chef.
In addition to The Residence, there are nine First Apartments situated on board in First Class. The private living spaces offer reclining lounge chairs and an ottoman upholstered in Poltrona Frau leather. The ottoman opens up to become a separate 80.5 inches long fully flat bed. Also, each First Apartment has a 24 inch LCD TV monitor, mini bar and personal vanity unit, as well as a fully equipped shower room.
Seventy Business Studios are also located on the upper deck of the A380, offering direct aisle access, a fully flat bed that extends up to 80.5 inches long, and a 20 percent increase in personal space. There is also an in-seat massage and a pneumatic cushion control system in Business Studios.
The lobby on board the A380 is located between the First Class and Business Class cabins, and offers two leather sofas and a staffed bar serving a selection of snacks and refreshments.
The main deck’s 415 Economy Smart Seats have a ‘fixed wing’ headrest on each seat, adjustable lumbar support, a seat width of approximately 19 inches, and an 11.1 inch personal TV monitor. Guests in all cabins have access to Panasonic eX3 entertainment systems with more than 750 hours of on-demand entertainment, live TV news and sport channels, gaming, and high definition screens.There is also full mobile and Wi-Fi service, as well as USB and power points at every seat. Other services include Flying Nannies and onboard food and beverage managers.
A round trip fare for The Residence between Melbourne and Abu Dhabi is $70,900 plus applicable taxes, and between Melbourne and London, $111,200 plus applicable taxes.
In addition to the inaugural flight of Etihad’s A380 aircraft and introduction of The Residence, Etihad Airways’ Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner also made its first service to Perth this week, departing from Abu Dhabi.
Etihad Airways flight EY486 was welcomed at the Western Australian capital at 1:50 pm local time on June 2 by a water cannon salute. The aircraft comprises both next-generation Business and Economy Class cabins, with 28 Business Studios and 271 Economy Smart Seats. Onboard décor and lighting were inspired by contemporary Arabian design.
The 28 Business Studios all offer direct aisle access, a fully flat bed that extends up to 80.5 inches long, and an increase of 20 percent in personal space. In-seat massage and a pneumatic cushion control system allows guests to adjust the firmness and comfort of their seat. Each Business Studio has an 18 inch personal touch-screen TV with noise-cancelling headsets. The 271 Economy Smart Seats also have adjustable lumbar support, a seat width of approximately 19 inches, and an 11.1 inch personal TV monitor. The aircraft has full mobile and Wi-Fi service, with USB and power points at every seat. Flying Nannies service is also available, as well as onboard food and beverage managers.
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