Many airlines have recently reconsidered their decision to mothball or retire their A380 aircraft. This included Qatar Airways, which brought back the A380s, Lufthansa and most recently, Etihad. In early 2023, Etihad reintroduced the A380, albeit only on the London routes, and decided to send two A380s to London daily. Then, they started flying two to New York as of April 2024. Paris will get the A380 in November 2024 and Singapore in February 2025. Now, they are activating more routes on the A380.

Etihad’s A380 aircraft to fly to Mumbai between September and December 2024

Etihad has announced its plans to fly to Mumbai with the A380 in 2024. The airline states that the Airbus A380 will fly to Mumbai thrice weekly between September and December 2024.

Etihad Airways is hailing its long-standing connection with India by deploying its iconic Airbus A380 to Mumbai for four months, marking 20 years since its inaugural flight to Mumbai.

Starting September 1 until December 31, 2024, the double-decker aircraft will operate three weekly flights between Abu Dhabi (AUH) and Mumbai (BOM), enhancing the travel experience on this popular route.

Here is the schedule of the A380 operated flight.

For the record, Etihad Airways has ten Airbus A380s, and Etihad grounded them at the start of the pandemic. Etihad was not planning to bring these aircraft back into service. Still, the overwhelming return of travel and the popularity of the Etihad A380 product, apart from slot constraints at London Heathrow, made Etihad change its mind. Each flight to and from London requires one A380 to operate. New York requires two A380s to operate the route. Paris will take another one when it comes online. Etihad still has five A380 aircraft that it could send to other places (excluding the Singapore route that will launch only in 2025).

At the top of the Etihad offerings is The Residence, a three-room suite in the sky. Accommodating up to two guests, The Residence features a private living room, bedroom, and ensuite bathroom, complete with a shower at 40,000 feet. A dedicated team of Etihad cabin crew ensures unparalleled service. However, due to the short flight, The Residence won’t be offered on the flight to and from Mumbai.

The A380 also featured the Etihad First Apartments, Etihad’s First Class suites on the upper deck of the A380. Each A380 had only nine First Class seats, lining up a single aisle, and it is one of the most impressive First Class products I’ve flown in the past decade.

Each Etihad Apartment featured a (very comfortable) lounger chair, an 80.5″ fully-flat bed, and a 24″ television, apart from a shower.

Apart from this, there is the Business Studio, which lines up the rest of the upper deck, and the Economy cabin, which fills up the lower deck with 405 seats.

I’ve flown the Etihad A380 in Economy, the Business Studio and The First Apartment, and it has been an impressive aircraft LOPA through and through.

Arik De, Etihad’s Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, said,

To kick off our celebrations for 20 years of service to Mumbai and India, we are thrilled to introduce our A380 on the Mumbai route. While this iconic aircraft is typically reserved for long-haul journeys, for our 20 years of celebrations of flying to India, we will showcase the A380 on three days a week for four months.

Etihad’s commitment to the Indian market is evident through its embrace of India’s love for cricket, as demonstrated by its sponsorship of the Chennai Super Kings. Additionally, its brand ambassador partnership with Bollywood superstar Katrina Kaif has further solidified its presence in the region, with a captivating series of videos shared across Etihad and Katrina’s social media channels.

Etihad’s special fares ex Mumbai and Abu Dhabi

Etihad is offering some extraordinary A380-themed fares to celebrate the four-month visit to Mumbai, including First-class fares of AED 8,380 for Abu Dhabi to Mumbai return and INR 190,383 for Mumbai to Abu Dhabi return. Meanwhile, Business class fares of AED 2,380 for Abu Dhabi to Mumbai return and INR 50,381 for Mumbai to Abu Dhabi return are up for grabs until August 25 for travel between September 1 and October 13. You can book these fares on Etihad.com.

Bottomline

Etihad will have the Airbus A380 return to operate flights between Abu Dhabi and Mumbai for four months between September and December 2024. The Etihad A380 is the epitome of premium cabins, at least at the top end, with a luxurious Etihad Residence and Etihad’s much-loved First Apartments. Some excellent fares are on offer at etihad.com.

What do you make of the arrival of the Etihad A380 aircraft to Mumbai?

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