By Zahra Al-Kateb
Etihad Airways’ Airbus A380 featuring The Residence has arrived in Sydney, beginning a new and exciting era of luxury travel.
The Abu Dhabi-Sydney A380 flight, EY454 – departed Abu Dhabi international Airport at 10.00pm on 31st May 2015 and touched down at Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport at 5.55pm no 1st June 2015. The A380 is expected to operate one of the airline’s two daily services between Sydney and Abu Dhabi.
James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ President and Chief Executive Officer said: “This marks another major milestone in the short history of Etihad Airways. Guests on the A380 between Sydney and Abu Dhabi will enjoy a superior level of luxury, comfort, service, and inflight technology that will totally transform their flying experience.”
The airlines additional four weekly Airbus A340-600 flights are expected to be upgraded to a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. This and the new daily service are expected to increase the total number of seats on the route by 30 per cent to 9,568 seats per week.
Sydney Airport Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Kerrie Mather said: “Sydney Airport is thrilled to be the first and only airport in Australia and one of only two destinations in the world to welcome Etihad’s new flagship A380 service.
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“The upgrade will bolster Sydney Airport’s status as the leading airport globally for next-generation aircraft and boost tourism to Sydney and NSW by increasing seat capacity.”
The new A380 offers an unprecedented level of luxury, space and privacy. It also boasts The Residence by Etihad, the world’s only three room cabin on a commercial aircraft. It includes a living space, an en suite shower room, double bedroom and dedicated Savoy-trained Butler. Guests can expect to enjoy the 32” LCD monitor in the living room, as well as a separate 24” version in the bedroom. The Residence measures 125 square feet in total and is located on the forward upper deck of the A380.
The First Apartments in First Class offer private living spaces which include a reclining lounge chair and ottoman upholstered in leather, which opens up to develop into a 80.5 inch long fully flat bed. The First Apartments each offer a 74 per cent increase in space over Etihad’s current award winning first class suites. Guests can also expect a 24” LCD TV monitor, a personal vanity unit and a fully equipped shower room specifically for First Class passengers.
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Finally, guests can expect to enjoy The Lobby, a luxurious lounge with comfortable leather sofas featuring a staffed bar serving a selection of snacks and refreshments.
Image Credit: Etihad Airways
