Etihad Airways reintroduces Airbus A380s to lure premium travelers

  • Etihad reintroduces four of its ten Airbus A380 superjumbos to service London's Heathrow Airport, targeting premium leisure travelers.
  • Demand for premium travel surges on the London-Abu Dhabi route, benefiting from attractions in Abu Dhabi such as Michelin-starred restaurants and Ferrari World.
  • Some airlines voice concerns over sustained demand due to economic challenges, while Etihad views the A380s as a strategic move amid waiting for delayed aircraft deliveries.


ABU DHABI —In a strategic move to capture the attention of high-end leisure travelers, Etihad Airways has reintroduced its Airbus A380 superjumbos after a three-year pause. This luxury experience boasts nine first-class "apartments," an extravagant three-room suite named The Residence, and 70 business-class seats. Interestingly, the A380 allows Etihad to offer over double the premium seating capacity than the previously operated Boeing Co. 787 jets on the London-Abu Dhabi route.

Despite a yet-to-return-to-normal business travel landscape, Etihad has observed a robust demand for premium travel, especially on its London-Abu Dhabi route. Ed Fotheringham, Etihad's vice president for Europe and Americas, credits this demand surge to Abu Dhabi's allure. The city, dotted with Michelin-starred eateries, five-star hotels, and attractions like Ferrari World, has become a hub for the affluent tourist.

While the relaunch of the A380 is partially to satiate the growing demand for luxury travel, it's also a tactical move for the airline. Etihad is currently in a holding pattern, awaiting the delivery of delayed aircraft orders which are expected later this year. As per manufacturers' records, the airline has pending orders, including 32 Boeing 787s, 25 as-yet-certified 777Xs, and 15 Airbus A350 jets.

However, the optimism Etihad showcases contrasts with some concerns voiced across the industry. Airlines like Alaska Air Group have issued warnings on potential downturns due to fare reductions and a dwindling domestic travel appetite. Similarly, in the face of a growing cost-of-living crisis, Ryanair, Europe's largest discount carrier, is mulling over reducing winter ticket prices.

Notably, while Emirates remains a prominent global champion for the A380, managing over 100 of such aircraft, other airlines have been slower to react. The post-pandemic environment has only recently led carriers like Singapore Airlines, British Airways, and Qantas Airways to reconsider and reactivate their smaller A380 fleets.

In the larger picture, the aviation industry saw Airbus halt the production of the A380 back in 2019. The decision was influenced by a shift in airline preferences towards smaller, agile twin-engine jets over the mammoth twin-deck, four-engine planes. But with Etihad's recent move, it appears there's still a market for luxury in the skies.