Etihad will be 10th airline to resume flights with the A380 - Air Data News

Following a storage period of over three years, Etihad Airways' initial Airbus A380s will resume commercial operations on Tuesday, July 25th.

The airline based in the UAE plans to revive four out of its fleet's 10 A380s, restoring vital links like the route connecting Abu Dhabi with London (Heathrow).

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Etihad is set to become the tenth airline to recommence operating the two-level aircraft, which suffered significant setbacks amidst the pandemic.

The decreased need for long-distance travel resulted in the A380 planes being kept in storage and a few of them were even dismantled because it was not economically feasible to use them.

However, things have taken a different turn lately due to the revival of the industry, prompting airlines such as Lufthansa to reconsider the decision of phasing out the four-engine aircraft.

The A380 is currently being operated by various airlines including British Airways (with a fleet of 10 aircraft), Singapore Airlines (with 10), Qatar Airways (with 8), Qantas (with 7), Korean Air (with 5), Asiana Airlines (with 4), Lufthansa (with 2), All Nippon Airways (with 2), and Emirates Airline, which is the largest customer of this jet with 87 active units.

According to Planespotters, the initial Etihad A380 will bring the total number of operational aircraft to 138, while an additional 64 aircraft will be kept parked.

For individuals flying with the Middle Eastern airline, the reintroduction of the A380 will provide them with the opportunity to travel on a larger plane that can accommodate more people. This aircraft boasts a total of 486 seats across four distinct classes, which includes The Residence. This particular class offers passengers an exceptional level of luxury and comfort that is rarely seen in the aviation industry.