TOULOUSE, France - Etihad Airways has taken delivery of the first of ten new A380 super-jumbo airlines it ordered from Airbus. Etihad Airways is the thirteenth airline to operate the A380, and the aircraft is the 150th A380 delivered by Airbus. In 2011, Etihad selected the Engine Alliance GP7200 turbofans to power its A380s.
The delivery is set to boost capacity on several of Etihad’s most in-demand routes. Etihad’s A380 is designed to carry 498 guests in four living spaces on the aircraft, including two VIP guests in The Residence by Etihad, nine guests in the First Apartments, 70 guests in the Business Studio, and 417 guests in Economy SmartSeats.
Etihad’s first A380 will make its debut on the popular London-Abu Dhabi route in December. By the end of 2015, Etihad Airways will have five A380s in operation, with plans to introduce the aircraft on the airline’s Sydney and New York City routes.