There appears to be some swapsies going on at the moment between Virgin Australia and Etihad, as Etihad are due to operate the entire Abu Dhabi to Sydney route.
Etihad Airbus A380 in flight – Image, Etihad/Airbus
The changes to the route will require Etithad to operate both services from 6th February with an Airbus A380 and a Boeing 777-300ER.
The revised operation and timings look like this:
Abu Dhabi to Sydney, Australia
EY450 DEPART AUH 09:25 ARRIVE SYD 06:15+1 Boeing 777-300ER EY454 DEPART AUH 22:15 ARRIVE SYD 19:15+1 Airbus A380
Sydney to Abu Dhabi
EY451 DEPART SYD 16:20 ARRIVE AUH 23:55 Boeing 777-300ER EY455 DEPART SYD 21:50 ARRIVE AUH 05:40+1 Airbus A380 Commences 7th February 2017 Booked Equipment: As listed. Operates Daily Data: Airlineroute
This will bring Etihad’s Sydney operation to 14 flights a week. Virgin Australia’s 3 times a week service will cease.
As for Virgin Australia, they will use the released aircraft on planned new services between Melbourne and Los Angeles, whilst introducing a Perth to Abu Dhabi service with an Airbus A330.
An interesting swap-around that should bring some more services to the USA, whilst strengthening Etihads grip on its Abu Dhabi to Sydney service.
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