Etihad reignites the engines of the A380. Here's the world's most exclusive super first class again

This time it is not rumors or alleged scoops, this time it's for real. Etihad has made official the return of the giant of the skies starting next year.

Attention for this announcement is high for one simple reason, Aboard Etihad's A380s is what has been recognized over the years as the best and most exclusive first-class cabin in the world, something only possible aboard the giant of the skies. A cabin that so unique that Singapore Airlines' incredible first class it looks like Ryanair's premium economy by comparison.

Etihad is currently preparing the aircraft to fly again, and part of this preparation includes recruiting and training the A380 teams, including pilots, cabin crew, and technical ground staff. According to Lufthansa, which is preparing to relaunch its A380 fleet, it takes about 4,000 hours of work to be able to restore one of these giants before it can take off again.

His Excellency Mohammed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman, Etihad Aviation Group, said, "It is wonderful to announce the return of this beautiful aircraft. The reintroduction of the A380 provides a further boost to Etihad's capacity in the key UK market, with a knock-on effect for the broader GCC and the Indian subcontinent that will bring more visitors to Abu Dhabi City."

Where Etihad's A380s will fly to

OUR A380s ARE COMING BACK! ????

You read that right. From Summer 2023, our iconic A380s will make their return with 4x super-jumbos launched for service to London. ?

Fly on board this remarkable double decker aircraft. Book now: https://t.co/WIF0OpNz7y pic.twitter.com/fB2Is3uQ8t

- Etihad Airways (@etihad) December 9, 2022

Etihad will operate A380s between Abu Dhabi and London, with the former to be reintroduced from the summer of 2023. The reason that also led the national airline of the United Arab Emirates to Reigniting the engines of the largest passenger aircraft ever to enter service is the same one that has driven all the other operators: trades are back well above forecasts, and by 2023 travel will be back like never before in the world.

The first route served will be just London Heathrow where this summer there was a real Airmageddon with ongoing disruptions and just the ability to fly the A380 instead of two planes like the 787 will allow the carrier to reduce flights but increase passengers carried.

A three-room apartment in the clouds

Etihad's A380s are the ones with the famous "The Residence" cabin installed., first apartments, business class and tourist class.

Obviously the most exclusive cabin is "the residence," which is a three-room apartment for the exclusive use of one passenger, or two if traveling as a couple. We are talking about a three-room apartment with a living room, bedroom and private bathroom. Never before had anyone thought of installing such a cabin, and now that it is returning to the skies it will be one of the most exclusive tickets to be booked with points as soon as they are released.

Imagine having a real three-room apartment: Etihad's "The Residence" is all about that.

The apartment has a bathroom with shower, private bedroom and, as if that were not enough, a stay separate where to work, relax or eat a meal from the a la carte menu.

The suite can accommodate up to 2 people with at their service an entire staff, thanks to the VIP Travel Concierge, which is available to guests for the duration of the trip, from when the limousine takes you to the private lounge at the airport until you get on the plane.

Luxury at high altitude

First class is located on the upper deck at the front of the aircraft that accommodates up to 9 private cabins, including the incredible "Residence" .

The experience is a mixture of comfort e luxury, the travel kit includes a little bit of everything, pajamas, slippers, perfume, toothbrush, various lotions, and some Etihad branded Bose headphones.

For dinner, however, the menu is varied, champagne e caviar in abundance and one chef on board to make sure passengers don't miss anything. For the showers instead just make a reservation, so that in turn whoever wants can use it, unless we are guests of the Residence, in which case the shower is all for us.

All surrounded by staff always available and ready to respond to the needs of all guests. Unfortunately, however, all this will soon fade away.

For the first time, Etihad plans to offer The Residence as an optional extra for guests to further enhance their first experience. This means that it will also eventually be possible to upgrade, which was not possible before covid.

The Lobby, available to guests in First and Business class, is a serviced lounge and bar area located between the two cabins, equipped with leather sofas, refreshments, and a large TV with USB connection.

In conclusion

Tickets are already on sale, the first one costs about £3,000 each way, but of course we are already trying to book it with points. With this news comes the addition of A new A380 to my wish list for 2023.

• A380