Eithad is scaling up connectivity between Abu Dhabi and three Asain destinations, with larger aircraft heading out to operate on certain routes.
Etihad Airbus A380 at London Heathrow Airport – Image, Economy Class and Beyond
In short summary:
- Abu Dhabi to Seoul is upgraded to an Airbus A380 (from a Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner)
- Abu Dhabi to Shanghai is upscaled to a Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner (from a Boeing 787-9)
- Abu Dhabi to Chengdu is upscaled to a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner (from an A330-200)
The upgraded services started flying this week.
With this move, Eithad’s four gateway cities are now operated entirely by Boeing 787 Dreamliner family aircraft.
In quotes
Robin Kamark, Chief Commercial Officer of Etihad Airways said:
“Asia-Pacific is the fastest growing air transport region in the world, and China is the fastest-growing individual market,”
“As we continue to modernise our aircraft fleet, and as we work with tourism partners to increase visitor numbers to Abu Dhabi, we are deploying newer, larger planes to key markets throughout our network.”
Targeting capacity
It seems Etihad thinks the solution to some of their issues is to target additional capacity through to these Asian destinations. But of course, their main business is funnelling passengers through Abu Dhabi and onto connecting flights.
With Etihad planning to introduce Boeing 787 Dreamliners on flights to Frankfurt, Milan, Dublin, Johannesburg and Lagos during 2019, there should be a consistent level of passenger experience.
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Too bad it leaves Seoul at around 1:15AM — I cannot get my wife on it no matter what. I ask her if I can book first class (good availability) and she responds with a clear ‘ha-ji MA!’