Etihad Airways today introduced an Airbus A380 aircraft on one of its two daily services between Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Paris Charles de Gaulle.

The new service has been introduced early to meet seasonal demand from 1 July to 28 October and 15 December to 15 February 2018. The A380 will then operate a regular year-round service from 25 March 2018.

The superjumbo replaces a three-class Boeing 777-300ER previously operating the airline’s daily overnight service to the French capital.

The aircraft, which was piloted by a French Captain and an Emirati First Officer, was greeted with a customary water canon salute on arrival into Paris, where local media and special guests were invited to meet executives from the airline and to tour the aircraft’s award-winning interiors.

Etihad Airways operates a dedicated Premium Lounge at Charles de Gaulle, significantly enhancing the ground experience for its guests travelling in The Residence, First Class, Business Class, and its top-tier loyalty members, with paid access available to guests in Economy Class.

The most highly customised cabin interior ever designed, Etihad Airways’ A380 carries 496 guests in a four-class configuration featuring The Residence, First Apartments, Business Studios, and Economy Smart Seats.

Photo credit: Dirk Grothe