Etihad Airways has confirmed that it will launch Airbus A380 flights between Abu Dhabi and Mumbai from May 1, 2016. India’s commercial capital will join the carrier’s other A380 destinations of Sydney, London, New York and, from June 2016, Melbourne.
James Hogan, president and chief executive officer, Etihad Airways said, “The Etihad Airways A380 has set a new benchmark for luxury and innovation and we are delighted to announce that this world-class service will soon be available to guests flying to and from Mumbai. Furthermore, the A380 out of Mumbai will connect seamlessly at our Abu Dhabi hub to the A380 service to New York, offering our New York-bound guests the comfort, convenience and superior inflight service of A380 flights all the way.”
The Abu Dhabi-based airline’s 496-seat A380 features the only three-room suite in commercial aviation – The Residence by Etihad – as well as nine first apartments, 70 business Studios, and 415 economy smart seats. The aircraft will operate daily on flight EY204 from Abu Dhabi to Mumbai, and EY203 from Mumbai to Abu Dhabi, both of which carry the 9W code of Jet Airways, Etihad Airways’ strategic partner. The flights connect seamlessly with Etihad Airways’ A380-operated services to New York, allowing guests to experience the double-decker aircraft throughout their journey.
Etihad Airways’ thrice-daily service to Mumbai, in addition to Jet Airways’ double daily service, offers guests access to more than 2,000 weekly connections in 57 markets across the GCC, the Middle East, Africa, Europe and North America.
Devendra Fadnavis, chief minister of Maharashtra said, “This announcement by Etihad Airways is yet another sign of international confidence in the powerhouse economy of Maharashtra. I look forward to the growth in tourism and business that this service can bring to our state.”