Etihad Airways is due to take delivery of its first A380 today during ceremonies in Hamburg.
The aircraft is one of 10 A380s the airline has on order and will include an ultra-premium, two-person “Residence” class along with first-class “Apartments.”
Etihad revealed its A380 cabin configuration in May, modeling it on the premium hotel and corporate jet market.
Located on the forward upper deck of the A380, the self-contained Residence holds two people and comprises a private living room, double bedroom, bathroom and shower. The product, which also includes a Savoy-trained personal butler, will cost $20,000 one-way between Abu Dhabi and London for single- or double-occupancy. Effectively a fourth class, only one Residence will be fitted on each A380, measuring 125 sq. ft.
On the opposite side of the A380 forward fuselage, there is a shower and changing room for first-class Apartment guests. Each A380 will be configured with nine 39 sq. ft. “Apartments” of which six will have interconnecting doors, arranged on either side of a central aisle to give more space back to the passenger. They are equipped with a separate arm chair and bed, a private mini bar and a sliding door.
A lounge/meeting area will be positioned between the first and business class and will be shared by both cabins. To make way for a central seating area, the lounge is equipped with a sideways galley. This will require additional cabin floor reinforcement.
The A380’s first route will be to London Heathrow from December 27th, followed by ultra long-haul routes to destinations including Melbourne, New York, Paris Charles de Gaulle and Sydney.
First A380 delivery ceremonies at Hamburg Thursday will be attended by Etihad CEO James Hogan and Airbus president and CEO Fabrice Brégier.