Tourism & Hospitality | Saturday 1 July, 2017 2:52 pm |

Etihad Airways today introduced an Airbus A380 aircraft on one of its two daily services between Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Paris Charles de Gaulle.

 

The new service has been introduced early to meet seasonal demand from 1 July to 28 October and 15 December to 15 February 2018. The A380 will then operate a regular year-round service from 25 March 2018. The superjumbo replaces a three-class Boeing 777-300ER previously operating the airline’s daily overnight service to the French capital.

Mohammad Al Bulooki, Etihad Airways Executive Vice President Commercial, said: “Paris is one of Etihad Airways’ most sought-after destinations, popular with both leisure and business flyers alike. The global capital of style and gastronomy deserves us to fly our flagship product to town, offering world-leading and award-winning inflight hospitality experiences in the skies.

“The A380 has presented a unique opportunity to provide the signature services and innovations that only Etihad Airways has been able to create for this incredible aircraft. These include revolutionary cabins such as The Residence, and First Apartments – jewels in the crown of our First Class offering, which was recently recognised again with three coveted Skytrax World Airline Awards at the Paris Air Show. 

“Paris is a city loved by all of us in the UAE. We have also seen an increase in the number of French visitors we are welcoming to Abu Dhabi - a hub of culture, commerce and tourism, which is home to French institutions such as the spectacular Louvre Museum and the Paris-Sorbonne University. Adding the flagship aircraft on this important route reaffirms Etihad Airways’ and the UAE’s commitment to the French market and celebrates the deep cultural and business ties which exist between our two countries.”

The aircraft, which was piloted by a French Captain and an Emirati First Officer, was greeted with a customary water canon salute on arrival into Paris, where local media and special guests were invited to meet executives from the airline and to tour the aircraft’s award-winning interiors.

Etihad Airways operates a dedicated Premium Lounge at Charles de Gaulle, significantly enhancing the ground experience for its guests travelling in The Residence, First Class, Business Class, and its top-tier loyalty members, with paid access available to guests in Economy Class.

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. 

 

Flights can be booked at etihad.com, via Etihad Airways Contact Centres, or through travel agents. 

 

Daily flight schedule between Abu Dhabi and Paris CDG, from 1 July 2017:

Flight No.	Origin	Departs	Destination	Arrives	Aircraft
EY31	Abu Dhabi	02:15	Paris CDG	07:50	A380
EY32	Paris CDG	10:40	Abu Dhabi	19:30	A380
EY37	Abu Dhabi	09:10	Paris CDG	14:35	777-300ER
EY38	Paris CDG	21:50	Abu Dhabi	06:40 (+1)	777-300ER

 

Note: All departures and arrivals are listed in local time.

+1 denotes following day

 

Photo: (From left to right) Flanked by Etihad Airways cabin crew, Etihad Airways’ Executive Vice President Commercial, Mohammad Al Bulooki; the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to France, H.E Maadhad Hareb Meghair Jaber Alkhyeli; Executive Director, Chief Airport Operations Officer and Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport Managing Director, Franck Goldnadel.

 

Photos of the A380 are available on: https://we.tl/Duet18YsKi