Etihad Airways Revives A380: Aircraft Returns After Five Years

Etihad Airways has successfully reactivated one of its Airbus A380 aircraft after more than five years of inactivity. The aircraft, registered as A6-APC, departed from Tarbes-Lourdes-Pyrénées Airport in southwestern France this morning and is currently en route to Abu Dhabi International Airport, the airline’s main hub. This marks a significant step for the airline as it resumes operations of its superjumbo fleet amid a strong recovery in global air travel.

The onset of the coronavirus pandemic in early 2020 prompted Etihad to place its A380s in long-term storage, a fate shared by many airlines worldwide as the impact of the health crisis unfolded. The aircraft was grounded for nearly six years, with its last revenue flight occurring on March 24, 2020. Following initial storage at Abu Dhabi, A6-APC was moved to France on December 16, 2020, where it remained until its recent return to the skies.

Details on the Journey Back

According to tracking data from Flightradar24, A6-APC took off at 09:32 local time and is projected to land in Abu Dhabi at approximately 18:38. The aircraft’s operational history has been sparse, with only a few test flights recorded in recent years. Its unique livery, featuring the ADNOC – Choose the United Kingdom branding, is a notable aspect of its design.

Majed Al Marzouqi, Chief Operations and Guest Officer at Etihad Airways, previously mentioned in an interview that the airline operates ten A380s, with seven currently active. He indicated plans to activate the eighth and ninth aircraft in the near future, while the tenth would be utilized for parts.

A Look at the A380s and Their Luxury Offerings

Etihad’s A380s are renowned for their luxurious features, making them some of the most sought-after in the industry. The lower deck accommodates 405 economy class seats, while the upper deck offers an exclusive setting with 70 business class and nine first-class suites. Among these accommodations is the luxurious ‘Residence,’ a three-room suite that provides an unparalleled flying experience.

The return of A6-APC is part of a broader trend as airlines gradually reactivate their A380 fleets in response to the growing demand for air travel post-pandemic. Other Etihad A380s, such as A6-APG and A6-APH, have also resumed operations after spending time in storage facilities in France and Spain.

As the commercial aviation industry continues to recover, the reintroduction of Etihad’s A380s signals a renewed confidence in long-haul travel, catering to passengers seeking comfort and luxury in the skies.