Etihad Airways is celebrating its 20th anniversary of flying to India this year. To “get the party started”, the airline has announced that it will resume Airbus A380 flights to Mumbai.
Etihad Airways A380 back to Mumbai
From 1st September 2024 to 29th December 2024, Etihad will deploy Airbus A380 aircraft on three of its seven weekly EY203/204 service between Abu Dhabi (AUH) and Mumbai (BOM). The other four of seven weekly flights will continue to be operated by a mix of Airbus A350s and Boeing B787 Dreamliners.
The airline says since its first flight to Mumbai on 26th September 2004, its relationship with India has deepened. The airline currently offers nonstop services between Abu Dhabi and 11 Indian cities, “with plans for further expansion”.
To kick off our celebrations for 20 years of service to Mumbai and India, we are thrilled to introduce our A380 on the Mumbai route. While this iconic aircraft is typically reserved for long-haul journeys, for our 20 years of celebrations of flying to India, we will showcase the A380 on three-days a week for a period of four months.
Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, Etihad Airways said.
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To celebrate temporary resumption of A380 flights to Mumbai, Etihad is offering special “A380-themed fares”, including First class fares of AED 8,380 Abu Dhabi to Mumbai return, and INR 190,383 Mumbai to Abu Dhabi return. Meanwhile in Business class fares of AED 2,380 Abu Dhabi to Mumbai return and INR 50,381 Mumbai to Abu Dhabi return are up for grabs until 25th August 2024, for travel between 1st September 2024 and 13th October 2024.
Etihad’s A380s feature 9 First Class seats, 70 lie-flat Business Class seats, 68 extra-legroom Economy Class seats and 337 standard Economy Class seats. The aircraft also features highly-regarded “The Residence”, the world’s only three-room suite in the sky. Accommodating up to two guests, The Residence features a private living room, bedroom, and ensuite bathroom, complete with a shower.
Etihad used to operate A380 flights to Mumbai in 2016 and 2017. The Abu Dhabi-based carrier recently announced that it will deploy A380s on flights to Singapore (SIN) starting 1st February 2025. The airline already operates the superjumbo to London (LHR) and New York (JFK). Paris (CDG) will join this list on 1st November 2024.
Etihad’s increased focus on Indian market
In a move “to create a more inclusive and accessible experience for its Indian customers, Etihad recently became the first international airline operating in India to launch a Hindi website, allowing customers to access information in their preferred language”.
Etihad says that its “commitment to the Indian market is evident through its embrace of India’s love for cricket, as demonstrated by its sponsorship of the Chennai Super Kings”. In addition to that, the carrier says that its brand ambassador partnership with Bollywood Actress Katrina Kaif “has further solidified its presence in the region, with a captivating series of videos shared across Etihad and Katrina’s social media channels”.
Etihad says that “there is more to look forward to” as it will unveil a “number of exciting new partnerships and initiatives for the region across the rest of the year”.
Featured image by Etihad Airways
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