Etihad brings the Airbus A380 back to Paris

Abu Dhabi-based carrier Etihad will send the Airbus A380 to Paris in November, bringing a dazzling range of premium seats to the French capital.

Taking over from the Airbus A350-1000, the superjumbo will fly daily, jetting off from Abu Dhabi at 2:40 am and calling into Paris at 7:30 am the next morning as EY31. The return flight, EY32, departs Paris at 9:45 am and arrives back in Abu Dhabi at 7:25 pm the same evening.

Antonaoldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, says Paris is the perfect destination for its iconic Airbus A380s.

The introduction of the A380 on the Abu Dhabi – Paris route enriches both leisure and corporate travel. It underscores Etihad’s commitment to facilitating business connections and travel to Abu Dhabi and beyond. Our state-of-the-art cabins and bespoke amenities ensure that business travellers can work, relax, and arrive refreshed.

– Antonaoldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, 26 April 2024

Booking Etihad with points

The defining feature of Etihad’s Airbus A380s is undoubtedly ‘The Residence’ – a three-room suite for two that includes a lounge area, a private bathroom with shower, and a proper bedroom.

Nine First Apartments and 70 Business Studios on the top deck are more within reach for frequent flyers with points to spend. 417 Economy seats grace the main deck, including 68 with extra legroom (at additional cost).

Velocity Frequent Flyer members can book Etihad flights – including First Class – with Velocity Points. However, since early 2024, Etihad now only offers Business and First Class availability to partner airlines within 30 days of travel.

At the moment, you can book Economy seats on the new Airbus A380 service between Abu Dhabi and Paris. For a shot at Business or First Class with Velocity Points, you’ll need to wait until a month before your desired travel date.

So far, Etihad has reactivated just four of its ten-strong fleet of Airbus A380s – the other six remain in hibernation. The airline’s double-decker jets also fly to London and New York. We’re still crossing our fingers for Sydney and Melbourne to be added to that list one day…

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The American Express Velocity Platinum Card has 60,000 bonus Velocity Points* on offer for new American Express Card Members who apply, are approved and spend $3,000 on eligible purchases within the first 3 months of approval. Includes several perks such as Virgin Australia Lounge Access^ every time you fly domestically with Virgin Australia, 2 VA Guest Lounge Passes⁼ each year and a Complimentary Domestic Return Virgin Australia Flightˢ. Terms, conditions and exclusions apply. New American Express Card Members Only.