Etihad Airways celebrated a major milestone on February 2, 2025, as its Airbus A380 made its debut at Singapore Changi Airport (SIN), marking a significant expansion in its global operations. This historic arrival strengthens the vital air link between Abu Dhabi and Singapore, enhancing both passenger capacity and the premium travel experience on this strategic route.

A380’s First Touchdown in Singapore

Flight EY498 departed from Abu Dhabi Zayed International Airport (AUH) on February 1 at 22:31, completing the journey in 6 hours and 57 minutes before touching down in Singapore for the first time. The return service lifted off from Changi at 19:44 on February 2, arriving back in Abu Dhabi at 22:33.

The aircraft assigned for this historic flight, an Airbus A380-800 (registration A6-API), has previously operated on flagship routes to London, New York, and Paris. The decision to deploy the A380 to Singapore marks a shift towards higher capacity and more luxurious offerings, replacing the Boeing 777-300ER and Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner that previously served this route.

Transforming the Travel Experience with the A380

With its introduction on the Abu Dhabi-Singapore route, the A380 boosts weekly seat availability by over 700, a 28% increase from previous operations. The aircraft, known for its spacious interiors and ultra-premium services, offers:

• The Residence – A one-of-a-kind three-room suite in the sky, redefining luxury travel.
• Nine First Apartments – Exclusive private suites designed for an elite inflight experience.
• 70 Business Studios – Offering superior comfort for premium travelers.
• 405 Economy Smart Seats – Designed with extra comfort and ergonomic features for long-haul flights.

Adding to the exclusivity, the upper deck houses The Lobby, an elegant lounge space reserved for First and Business Class passengers, allowing them to socialize and unwind during the journey.

Strengthening Etihad’s A380 Network in Asia

Singapore now joins an elite list of destinations in Etihad’s Airbus A380 network, alongside:

• London Heathrow (LHR)
• New York JFK (JFK)
• Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG)

With six A380s in its fleet, Etihad Airways is reinforcing its commitment to high-demand routes by offering greater capacity and a superior passenger experience. The UAE and Singapore share robust economic and cultural ties, and this expanded service will further support business, tourism, and trade sectors, particularly in industries such as aviation, finance, technology, and energy.

Future Expansion Plans

Etihad had initially unveiled its A380 expansion to Singapore on August 9, 2024, aligning with Singapore’s National Day celebrations. As part of its broader Asia-Pacific growth strategy, the airline is also ramping up services to Thailand, enhancing connectivity to Bangkok and Phuket to cater to rising demand from Middle Eastern and international travelers.

The deployment of the A380 to Singapore marks another bold step forward for Etihad Airways, enhancing luxury, comfort, and capacity on a key international route. As the airline continues to expand and refine its global network, passengers can look forward to a world-class travel experience across more destinations.

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