DALLAS — Etihad Airways (EY) has announced the return of its iconic Airbus A380 aircraft to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG). The Superjumbo will depart from Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH).
The Airbus A380 is the world's largest passenger aircraft, spanning 73 meters (239.5 feet) in length and 24 meters (78.7 feet) in height. The 486-seat aircraft boasts The Residence, the world’s only three-room suite in the sky, nine luxurious First Apartments, and 70 comfortable Business Studios.
Additionally, it features 405 Economy Smart seats, including 68 extra-legroom options, ensuring a pleasant journey for all travelers. The upper deck provides The Lobby, an exclusive lounge area for First—and business-class guests.
The A380 was designed and manufactured in Europe and finally assembled in Toulouse, so its return to Paris celebrates this legacy. The route serves the growing demand from leisure travelers and the strong business ties between the two nations, particularly in the aviation, energy, and luxury industries.
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5,000 Weekly Seats
According to EY, the return of the A380 and the addition of three-class Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners from January 15, 2025, will significantly enhance EY’s route capacity by 31%. Both aircraft will operate in a three-class configuration, providing the signature Etihad First Class experience across all frequencies.
The A380 boasts 486 seats, including nine First Apartments, 70 Business Studios, and 405 Economy Smart seats with an impressive 68 extra-legroom options. In contrast, the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner offers eight First Suites, 28 Business Studios, and 190 Economy Smart seats.
These aircraft will provide nearly 5,000 seats weekly, substantially improving connectivity between Abu Dhabi and Paris.
Starting 1 November 2024:
- Flight EY31: Daily from Abu Dhabi (AUH) at 02:40, arriving in Paris (CDG) at 07:30 on an A380.
- Flight EY32: Daily from Paris (CDG) at 09:45, arriving in Abu Dhabi (AUH) at 19:25 on an A380.
Additional flights from 15 January 2025:
- Flight EY33: Daily from Abu Dhabi (AUH) at 14:20, arriving in Paris (CDG) at 19:10 on a 3-class Boeing 787-9.
- Flight EY34: Daily from Paris (CDG) at 20:45, arriving in Abu Dhabi (AUH) at 06:25 the following day on a 3-class Boeing 787-9.
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Comments from Etihad Airways
Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer of Etihad Airways, said: "As a city celebrated for its style and ambiance, Paris continues to be a key destination in our global network. The return of our A380 strengthens the travel offering between Abu Dhabi and Paris, reflecting our commitment to this important route."
“The return of the A380 to Paris and our broader network expansion plans, including increasing to year-round, double-daily frequencies to Milan, Rome, Manchester, Frankfurt, Munich, Zurich, Barcelona, and Madrid, demonstrate our strong growth momentum in Europe. This enhanced capacity reflects the rising demand we're seeing in France, with more exciting announcements to come before the end of 2024.”
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December 2024
