Etihad's A380 sets course for Tokyo, now it's time to book the most iconic experience in the skies
Etihad continues in its efforts to "awaken" from hibernation its A380 fleet, the eighth giant of the skies is ready [...]
Etihad Airways
NRT
Etihad continues in its activities to "awaken" its A380 fleet from hibernation, the eighth giant of the skies is ready to be back in business, and the national airline of the United Arab Emirates has just announced that it will be used to connect, daily, Abu Dhabi with Tokyo Narita.
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The news is important not only premium flying fans: this will become the longest eastbound route served by Etihad's First Class on the A380, but especially for us Italians with dreams of trying this cabin since to date the only logical alternative was to fly to Singapore.
Etihad's A380s: a highly anticipated return
When Etihad decided to shelving A380s during the pandemic, many thought that we would never see them plying the skies again. Instead, accomplice to growing premium demand and the need for capacity On key routes, the company has gradually brought its "big birds" back into service.
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Today Etihad A380s are flying to London, Paris, Toronto and Singapore, and in 2026 will be added Tokyo, a destination popular with both the business and high-end leisure segments. The return of the eighth A380 to the fleet thus allows this new route to open and further expand capacity to a strategic market where demand to the Emirates is stronger than ever.
Etihad A380 configuration: an industry benchmark
The reason why the Etihad A380 continues to make waves is simple: Offers one of the world's most spectacular configurations in every booth.
On the upper floor are the First Apartments, nine huge suites with lounge chair, separate bed, vanity, dedicated service and access to a real shower room.
Immediately behind it stretches the Business Studio, with 70 private seats, all with direct access to the corridor.
Separating first class from business is the famous The Lobby, the lounge bar different from Emirates', but definitely more exclusive
On the main deck, Economy is no less: 68 extra-legroom seats, 337 Smart Seats with fixed-wing headrests, oversize cushions, and an ambience that manages to be more comfortable than the long-haul average.
It is an aircraft designed to give people an "Etihad-like" experience: elegant, spacious, quiet, and with extremely attentive service.
The Residence: the only three-room suite in the skies
If there is one product that has made the Etihad A380 famous around the world, it is The Residence, the three-room suite that remains - to this day - unique in commercial aviation.
We are talking about a small private apartment: living room, bedroom with real double bed and private bathroom with shower. A level of exclusivity that is unparalleled and offers up to two passengers a completely personalized trip, with a dedicated team of cabin crew, a la carte menus served at the living room table and the real possibility of forgetting you are on board an airplane.
With the arrival of the A380 on the Abu Dhabi-Tokyo route, The Residence makes its debut on the Japanese network with one of the longest routes operated by the type-a unique opportunity to experience the world's most luxurious experience at 12,000 meters.
Yes, Etihad First can also be booked with Flying Blue miles
Since Etihad entered into an unprecedented partnership with Air France-KLM, many fans have discovered a must-have treat: A380 First Apartments can also be booked with Flying Blue miles.
Availability is not very high-understandable, given the huge demand-but when awards appear, the combination of low fees, iconic product, and flight duration makes this redemption one of the best premium sweet spot available in Europe today.
