Etihad Airways Launches Airbus A380 Flights to Melbourne, Australia

Etihad Airways has launched Airbus A380 flights between Abu Dhabi and Melbourne, Australia.

The superjumbo will operate one of the airline’s double daily flights between Melbourne and Abu Dhabi, replacing one of the three-class Boeing 777-300ER aircraft currently deployed on the route.

Flight EY460 departs Abu Dhabi Airport at 22:15 to arrive at Melbourne Airport at 17:45. The return Melbourne-Abu Dhabi flight – EY461 – will depart Melbourne at 22:10.

The Etihad Airways Airbus A380 features The Residence, the world’s first three-room private suite on a commercial aircraft, as well as ground-breaking innovations in all cabins.

“With Melbourne joining our A380 network, Australia is the only country in our global network with daily A380 services to two cities – Melbourne and Sydney,” said Etihad Airways Senior Vice President of Marketing, Shane O’Hare. “Deploying our latest technology aircraft and class-leading product and service to Australia recognises its importance to our business and the strong demand from Australian travellers for premium travel experiences.”

The A380 will increase the total number of two-way seats on the Melbourne-Abu Dhabi route by 26% to more than 11,500 seats per week.

Etihad Airways’ A380 carries 496 passengers in a four-class configuration: The Residence, First Apartments, Business Studios and Economy Smart Seats.

The Residence, an ultra-exclusive private three-room suite, is unique to Etihad Airways. Measuring 125 square feet in total area, it is located on the forward upper deck of the A380 and is available for single or double occupancy.

Features include a living room, separate ensuite shower room and a double bedroom. It has a large 32” LCD monitor in the living room and a separate 24” version in the bedroom.

Its exclusive hospitality offering includes a personal Butler, trained at the world-renowned Savoy Butler Academy in London, while an onboard Chef complements the Butler service, offering a bespoke, made-to-order dining experience.

There are nine First Apartments in First Class. These are private living spaces featuring a reclining lounge chair and an ottoman, upholstered in the finest quality Poltrona Frau leather. The ottoman opens up to become a separate 80.5” long fully flat bed. In addition, each First Apartment has a 24” LCD TV monitor, a chilled mini bar and personal vanity unit. A fully equipped shower room is available for the exclusive use of First Apartment guests.

Seventy Business Studios are located on the upper deck of the A380, all offering direct aisle access, a fully flat bed of up to 80.5” long. Upholstered in Poltrona Frau leather, the Business Studio is equipped with an in-seat massage and a pneumatic cushion control system.

The Lobby, a lounge located between the First Class and Business Class cabins, features two leather sofas and a staffed bar serving a selection of snacks and refreshments.

The main deck features 415 Economy Smart Seats, which provide enhanced comfort with a unique ‘fixed wing’ headrest on each seat, adjustable lumbar support, a seat width of approximately 19”, and an 11.1” personal TV monitor.

Guests in all cabins enjoy the latest Panasonic eX3 entertainment system with more than 750 hours of on-demand entertainment, live TV news and sport channels, improved gaming, and high definition screens across all cabins.

The A380 has full mobile and Wi-Fi service, with USB and power points at every seat.

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