In March, Etihad announced that they will be operating the A380 to Paris. The airline would be replacing the A380 that currently operates Abu Dhabi – Mumbai and would instead be putting the aircraft on the Abu Dhabi – Paris Charles De Gaulle route which is a much better route to utilise their flagship aircraft. Although, I wish they would bring it back to Melbourne…

Etihad said that they will operate the A380 to Paris just over the summer season to help with the demand but Etihad has announced that they will operate the aircraft to Paris year round instead of seasonally starting July 1st.

Etihad Airways A380

The A380 will take over the EY31/32 service which is currently operated by a 777-300ER. Paris will remain to have 2 daily services from Abu Dhabi.

EY31 leaves Abu Dhabi at 02:15 AM and arrives into Paris at 07:50 AM

EY21 leaves Paris at 10:40 AM and arrives into Abu Dhabi at 7:30 PM.

Etihad have had quite a number of A380 changes in the last few months, first Paris Charles De Gaulle was announced as the next A380 destination, The airline then announced that Melbourne would no longer get the A380 from October 29th and the next day, Etihad announced that Sydney would have double daily A380’s. New York will soon have their double A380’s and London will soon have triple daily once they receive their last two aircraft orders.

The Etihad A380 features without a doubt the most incredible onboard product called ‘“Residence”.

Etihad Residence Livingroom

It also features 9 incredible First Class suites with closing doors, a lounging chair, separate 6-foot bed, vanity mirror and access to the onboard shower. If you’re in First, you also have an onboard chef who can prepare beautiful meals for you and a beverage manager.

Etihad A380 Apartments

The massive aircraft also features 70 Business Class Studio suites in a 1-2-1 configuration. In Business, you have a very spacious seat, a food and beverage manager and an extensive a la carte menu.

Etihad A380 Business Class

Etihad’s A380 features 415 Economy seats in a 3-4-3 configuration. Each seat had USB power, power-points and an amenity kit.

Etihad A380 Economy

For passengers travelling to Paris, this is fantastic news as the aircraft is a big improvement over the 777. The European routes have very heavy loads so it’s not surprising to see Etihad increasing the aircraft on the Paris route to year round instead of seasonal.