Abu Dhabi - MENA Herald: Etihad Airways today introduced its flagship Airbus A380 aircraft on its second daily service between the UAE capital and New York JFK. All 14 weekly flights between the two cities are now operated by the double-decker aircraft.
The superjumbo has replaced a three-class Boeing 777-300ER previously operating one of the airline’s twice daily flights. The new deployment means New York will join London and Sydney as an all-A380 operation. Guests can now enjoy the consistency, convenience and comfort of a seamless A380 service in both directions.
Etihad Airways launched daily nonstop flights to New York JFK on 26 October 2006, and introduced a second daily service in March 2014. It subsequently upgraded one of the daily flights to an A380 aircraft in November 2015.
Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways Chief Executive Officer, said: “The response we have received from our guests travelling between Abu Dhabi and New York since we first launched the A380 service two years ago has been phenomenal. We are delighted to further expand our world-leading product to all guests flying to and from the Big Apple.
“By introducing the A380 on the second daily service, we can ensure that every flight delivers the acclaimed service and hospitality, innovative products and technology for which we have become known the world over.”
Guests flying on all Etihad Airways flights from Abu Dhabi to the airline’s six U.S. ports of entry – New York JFK Airport, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles and San Francisco – are processed through the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance facility available at Abu Dhabi International Airport, which means they pass through all U.S. immigration and customs checks in Abu Dhabi and arrive at their U.S. destination as domestic passengers. The airline also operates a dedicated Premium Lounge within the CBP facility.
In December 2015, the airline opened a state-of-the art Premium Lounge at New York JFK, marking a significant investment in further improving the ground experience for the airline’s guests.
About Etihad Airways’ A380
The most highly customised cabin interior ever designed, Etihad Airways’ A380 carries 496 guests in a four-class configuration: The Residence, First Apartments (First Class), Business Studios (Business Class), and Economy Smart Seats (Economy Class). Etihad Airways has taken the finest details from the best service and hospitality establishments around the world to redefine the air travel experience.
The Residence, an ultra-private, three-room suite that accommodates up to two guests, features a living room with a 32-inch LCD monitor, bedroom with a double bed, separate en-suite shower room and dedicated personal Butler trained at the world-renowned Savoy Butler Academy in London to look after the needs of its discerning guests. An Inflight Chef is available to custom-create menus to order.
The nine First Apartments in First Class are private living spaces featuring a large Poltrona Frau armchair, a separate Ottoman which transforms into a full-length bed, flat-screen TV, chilled mini-bar, personal vanity unit, and wardrobe. A fully equipped shower room is available for the exclusive use of First Class guests. The Inflight Chef is also available in First Class to create an exquisite dining experience.
The 70 Business Studios are located on the upper deck of the A380, all offering direct aisle access and a fully flat bed.
Experienced Food and Beverage Managers assist Business Class guests through extensive menu options available and provide recommendations on the perfect accompaniment for their meals.
The Lobby, a luxurious lounge located between the First Class and Business Class cabins, features two comfortable Poltrona Frau sofas and a bar serving a selection of snacks and refreshments.
The main deck features 415 Economy Smart Seats which offer unique ergonomic fixed-wing headrests, lumbar support and an 11-inch personal, high-definition TV monitor.
Guests in all cabins enjoy over 750 hours of on-demand movies, TV programmes, improved gaming and live TV news and sports via the state-of-the-art Panasonic eX3 entertainment system. A Flying Nanny, approved by the world-famous Norland College in the UK, is onboard every A380 to provide dedicated support for families travelling with young children.
