Etihad Airways is betting on the Airbus A380 cabin to launch “reimagined” premium classes, according to airline CEO James Hogan. Speaking recently at the unveiling of the carrier’s new livery, Hogan also singled out India and Abu Dhabi as major growth destinations.
Scheduled for its first service on December 27 between London and Abu Dhabi, Etihad’s first A380 will fly with a crew of 16 flight attendants and two pilots. The airline has already sent 20 pilots to Air France and Malaysia Airlines for training. “From October, another sixteen are planned to be trained on our new simulator in Abu Dhabi and our first aircraft,” an Etihad A380 pilot told AIN.
Between the time of delivery and entry into revenue service, Etihad will introduce the A380 to the operations, maintenance and ground support departments, he added. The airline also needs to complete paperwork with the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).
To compete better with other airlines, including Gulf-based Emirates and Qatar Airways, Etihad spent five years working on the interior. “We ticked all three boxes: seat count, weight—as it influences range—and unit cost,” Hogan said. He claimed the company’s innovative approach has raised cabin and service quality to the point where Etihad’s business class, for example, meets “the standards of others’ first class.”
Two levels above “Business Studios,” the three-room “Residence” compares with travel by business jet, according to the airline. Service will feature a butler, a food and beverage manager, a nanny and a private shower. The Residence has won certification for up to two passengers. Hogan therefore believes wealthy individuals might choose the $20,000 fare over a $60,000 to $80,000 business jet flight from Abu Dhabi to London.
Despite the higher level of service on the 496-passenger aircraft, the crew’s head count will match that of a standard A380 operation, according to Hogan.
Asked about point-to-point traffic competing with the Abu Dhabi hub, Hogan named several advantages associated with his airline’s base of operations. “India, with a middle class of 40 million people, is the largest source market for both Dubai and us,” he emphasized. He added that Etihad goes to places “where you don't see European airlines” such as points in Iraq and Pakistan. Furthermore, he expressed optimism about Abu Dhabi’s ultimate success as a destination in its own right, thanks to its hotels, conference centers and the Ferrari World theme park.
Hogan ruled out the possibility of another airline in Etihad's “equity alliance,” such as Aer Lingus or Alitalia, operating an Etihad-ordered A380.
