Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, has proudly announced the return of its flagship Airbus A380 to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. This move enhances the travel experience between Abu Dhabi and the City of Light, connecting two vibrant capitals with unmatched luxury and comfort.

A Grand Return

The Airbus A380, the world’s largest passenger aircraft, measures 73 meters in length and 24 meters in height. Its return to the Paris route brings back Etihad’s most celebrated inflight features, including The Residence, the world’s only three-room suite in the sky. The upper deck also features The Lobby, an exclusive lounge area for First and Business class guests.

Designed and manufactured in Europe, with final assembly in Toulouse, the A380 is a testament to French aerospace engineering and innovation. Its return to Paris celebrates this legacy.

Strengthening Connections

Arik De, Etihad Airways’ Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, emphasized Paris’s importance in its global network, stating, “As a city celebrated for its style and ambiance, Paris continues to be a key destination in our global network. The return of our A380 strengthens the travel offering between Abu Dhabi and Paris, reflecting our commitment to this important route.”

Etihad’s broader network expansion plans include increasing to year-round, double-daily frequencies to key European cities such as Milan, Rome, Manchester, Frankfurt, Munich, Zurich, Barcelona, and Madrid. This enhanced capacity reflects the rising demand in France, with more exciting announcements expected before the end of 2024.

Cultural and Economic Ties

The UAE and France share strong bilateral ties across culture, education, and business sectors. Both capitals are uniquely connected as the only cities in the world to house a Louvre Museum. The route caters to growing demand from leisure travellers and the strong business ties between the two countries, particularly in the aviation, energy, and luxury sectors.

Increased Capacity and Enhanced Experience

The return of the A380 increases the route’s capacity by 31 percent. An additional three-class Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner will join the service from 15 January 2025. Both aircraft will operate in a three-class configuration, offering the signature Etihad First Class experience on all frequencies. The A380 offers 486 seats, including nine First Apartments, 70 Business Studios, and 405 Economy Smart seats with 68 extra-legroom options. The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner features 8 First Suites, 28 Business Studios, and 190 Economy Smart seats.

These aircraft will offer nearly 5,000 seats weekly, significantly boosting connectivity between Abu Dhabi and Paris.

Abu Dhabi Stopover Programme

Etihad’s Abu Dhabi Stopover programme further enhances connectivity, enabling travellers to extend their layovers into memorable stays with up to two complimentary nights at premium hotels in Abu Dhabi. This highlights the city’s growing appeal as a must-visit destination.

The enhancement of the Paris service marks another milestone in Etihad’s commitment to connecting global destinations and providing an elevated travel experience. For business or leisure, passengers can look forward to an unparalleled journey between Abu Dhabi and Paris.