Etihad Airways confirmed that it will deploy its Airbus A380 aircraft on its Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) to New York’s John F Kennedy Airport (JFK) route starting April 2024.
The A380 will operate one of the two daily Etihad flights to JFK airport. The other daily flight will be operated by a Boeing 787-9.
New York is the second destination after London-Heathrow Airport (LHR) to be flown by the A380 since the Abu Dhabi-based carrier returned its superjumbo to the skies.
Etihad Airways Chief Executive Officer Antonoaldo Neves said that the airline is “thrilled” to fly its passengers on the A380 across the Atlantic, and to provide customers with an elevated experience.
“Whether they are flying in Economy, Business, First or the three-room suite in the sky, The Residence, they [customers] will enjoy elevated levels of service from our dedicated crew, and ensure they arrive in the city that never sleeps refreshed and relaxed. We know this is important for all our guests, not least our corporate customers, and the timing and comfort provided by the A380 means they can arrive fresh and ready for their business appointments,” Neves said in a press statement.
“Putting the A380 on the popular New York route makes sense as we satisfy customer demand for more capacity, further growing our expanding network,” Neves added.
Neves also said that the airline’s new route to Boston-Logan International Airport (BOS) will start three weeks before the A380 commences service to JFK airport, emphasizing Etihad’s “ambitious growth plans”.
The A380 offers four classes on its JFK route: The Residence, First Class, Business Class, and Economy.
The airline has yet to provide a time schedule for the AUH-JFK route on the A380.