Etihad Airways Revives A380: Aircraft Returns After Five Years

Etihad Airways has successfully reactivated one of its Airbus A380 aircraft, which had been stored for over five years. The aircraft, registered as A6-APC, took off from Tarbes-Lourdes-Pyrénées Airport in France, marking its return to service after a prolonged hiatus due to the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic. This flight is part of a broader trend as airlines resume operations and respond to the recovering demand for air travel.

The Airbus A380 departed France at 09:32 local time and is expected to arrive at Abu Dhabi International Airport by 18:38. This particular aircraft had been grounded since March 24, 2020, when Etihad, like many airlines, suspended its A380 operations as the pandemic unfolded. The decision to ground the superjumbo was a significant one, considering the aircraft’s capacity and operational costs.

For nearly six years, A6-APC remained inactive, moving to long-term storage first in Abu Dhabi and later in France. The aircraft was stored at Abu Dhabi International Airport until December 16, 2020, when it was moved to Tarbes, a facility known for accommodating large aircraft, including the A380. This move followed a period of uncertainty in the aviation sector, which faced extensive disruptions due to the pandemic.

Resurgence of the A380 Fleet

The reactivation of A6-APC comes as Etihad Airways prepares to bolster its fleet. According to Majed Al Marzouqi, Chief Operations and Guest Officer at Etihad, the airline currently operates seven of its ten A380s, with plans to activate additional aircraft in the near future. Al Marzouqi stated last year, “We have ten A380s. Out of the ten today, seven of them are operational, and we are activating numbers eight and nine next year.” This indicates a strategic move to capitalize on the resurgence in travel demand.

The A380s operated by Etihad are renowned for their luxury, with the upper deck featuring plush seating for 70 business class and nine first class guests in exclusive suites. The aircraft also includes the iconic ‘Residence,’ a three-room space offering an unparalleled experience in the skies. The lower deck is configured entirely for economy, accommodating 405 passengers.

A Broader Trend in Aviation

Etihad’s decision to bring A6-APC back into service reflects a wider recovery trend within the aviation industry. Many airlines are reinstating A380 operations as global travel rebounds. The aircraft’s significant capacity makes it an attractive option as demand continues to rise. Other airlines, similarly affected by the pandemic, are also reactivating their A380 fleets.

The return of A6-APC is part of a phased approach by Etihad, which seeks to enhance its service offerings and meet the growing passenger demand. The airline had previously moved several A380s to storage facilities in France and Spain during the pandemic, with some aircraft returning to service earlier this year.

As the aviation sector navigates the post-pandemic landscape, the reactivation of aircraft like the A380 signals optimism and a commitment to restoring global connectivity. The return of Etihad’s superjumbo not only marks a significant milestone for the airline but also represents a broader recovery for the industry as it adapts to new travel patterns and preferences.