Airlines

Etihad Airways celebrates Airbus A380’s inaugural flight from Abu Dhabi to London Heathrow

Etihad Reactivates Another A380 and Unveils New Route

On a special maiden commercial flight from Abu Dhabi to London Heathrow, Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, is commemorating the return to operation of its Airbus A380 today.

Beginning Wednesday, the first of Etihad’s four Airbus A380s will resume service on the well-liked Abu Dhabi-London Heathrow route. The first flight of the day took off from Abu Dhabi at 02:05 and touched down at London Heathrow at 06:45 local time. Executives from the Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi Airport, and Etihad gathered before takeoff to welcome back the aircraft. To commemorate the event, A380-themed souvenirs were given to passengers on board.

Etihad is bringing back Airbus A380s, along with the residence and the first apartment!(Opens in a new browser tab)

Economy passengers are welcomed on board in a special welcome area. The Economy class has 337 Economy Smart seats, which include the renowned fixed-wing headrest and extra-large pillows from Etihad, and 68 Economy Space seats, which provide 4 inches more legroom.

On Etihad’s A380 top deck, there are 70 Business Studios®, providing guests with solitude and fostering a calm environment. Located between the First and Business cabins on the upper deck, The Lobby offers served lounge and bar space. Furthermore, visitors will gain from Etihad’s exclusive collaboration with Armani/Casa, which will provide an upgraded Business experience. The dining service offers pottery, glasses, silverware, and serving ware, as well as quality linens, a memory foam mattress, and an entirely opulent inflight experience.

The Residence is the world’s only three-room sky suite, with service and hospitality provided by a dedicated team of Etihad cabin crew. The Residence, which can accommodate up to two visitors, has a private living area, bedroom and ensuite bathroom where guests can refresh in a 40,000ft shower.

Etihad Airways adds flights to Shanghai to its route network(Opens in a new browser tab)

The Residence is now available for booking on etihad.com by selecting a First Class ticket and then upgrading to The Residence for 2,500 USD per person, one way. Etihad Guest Miles can be redeemed by guests to treat themselves to an exceptional experience.

Etihad’s A380 aircraft will begin service on the Abu Dhabi-London route on July 25 on flights EY11 and EY12, and on August 1 on flights EY19 and EY20. Etihad’s A380s will transport passengers between the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, and other destinations on the Etihad network. Etihad Airways’ A380 service is now available for booking on etihad.com or through travel agencies.

Airlines

British Airways Unveils Its Brand-New First Class Cabin for the Airbus A380

British Airways has introduced its brand-new First Class seat, blending sleek design with expert British craftsmanship. Reflecting modern British luxury travel, this new cabin is part of the airline’s Airbus A380 retrofit plans, set to take flight in mid-2026.

The updated First Class cabin has been crafted to feel like a modern luxury hotel in the sky, complete with cozy touches and thoughtful British details.

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Designed by top experts from across Great Britain and Ireland—including London, Glasgow, West Yorkshire, Kilkeel, and Dublin—the seat reflects the best of British design and quality.

Features and Comforts
The new First Class seat is ultra-wide at 36.5 inches, with a bed length of 79 inches for ultimate comfort. It includes:

A multi-purpose ottoman and stowable table.
A 32-inch 4K TV screen.
Adjustable mood lighting with modes like “relax,” “dine,” and “cinema.”
A cocooned 60-inch curved wall for privacy while maintaining a spacious feel.

Passengers traveling together can enjoy a shared experience with a sliding divider that creates a lounge-like space. The stowable tables also allow for “buddy dining,” where two people can dine together.

The cabin’s flowing curves, inspired by the iconic Concorde wings, create a welcoming and stylish environment. Additionally, passengers can now wheel their luggage directly into their personal storage space, making settling in easier.

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British Airways carefully considered customer feedback when designing this cabin. The seat includes practical storage and features like a fully rectangular bed for home-like comfort. Every detail, from usability to elegance, has been designed to enhance the travel experience.

British Airways is proud to be the only UK-based European airline offering a First Class product across the Atlantic. british airways premium economy and First Class travelers enjoy exclusive perks such as stylish seats, access to luxury lounges, fast-track security, and the First Wing at Heathrow. The airline ensures a premium experience from booking to landing.

This cabin upgrade is part of British Airways’ £7 billion investment in improving customer experiences. The airline has already introduced over 120 initiatives, including new short-haul seats, free onboard Wi-Fi messaging, and refreshed lounges worldwide.