Abu Dhabi-based carrier Etihad will send the Airbus A380 to Paris in November, bringing a dazzling range of premium seats to the French capital.

Taking over from the Airbus A350-1000, the superjumbo will fly daily, jetting off from Abu Dhabi at 2:40 am and calling into Paris at 7:30 am the next morning as EY31. The return flight, EY32, departs Paris at 9:45 am and arrives back in Abu Dhabi at 7:25 pm the same evening.

Etihad’s nine First Apartments will potentially be available to book with points.

Antonaoldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, says Paris is the perfect destination for its iconic Airbus A380s.

The introduction of the A380 on the Abu Dhabi – Paris route enriches both leisure and corporate travel. It underscores Etihad’s commitment to facilitating business connections and travel to Abu Dhabi and beyond. Our state-of-the-art cabins and bespoke amenities ensure that business travellers can work, relax, and arrive refreshed.

– Antonaoldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, 26 April 2024
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Booking Etihad with points

The defining feature of Etihad’s Airbus A380s is undoubtedly ‘The Residence’ – a three-room suite for two that includes a lounge area, a private bathroom with shower, and a proper bedroom.

Nine First Apartments and 70 Business Studios on the top deck are more within reach for frequent flyers with points to spend. 417 Economy seats grace the main deck, including 68 with extra legroom (at additional cost).

Etihad's Airbus A380 Business Studio
The Business Studios on the A380 mimic those found on the airline’s Boeing 787 (pictured).

Velocity Frequent Flyer members can book Etihad flights – including First Class – with Velocity Points. However, since early 2024, Etihad now only offers Business and First Class availability to partner airlines within 30 days of travel.

At the moment, you can book Economy seats on the new Airbus A380 service between Abu Dhabi and Paris. For a shot at Business or First Class with Velocity Points, you’ll need to wait until a month before your desired travel date.

We can see Business Rewards on Etihad flights from 30 days before departure.

Our strategy: book Economy on the dates you need to travel and later change to a Business or First reward seat if they become available. You’ll need to pay the fare difference and Velocity’s change fee.

So far, Etihad has reactivated just four of its ten-strong fleet of Airbus A380s – the other six remain in hibernation. The airline’s double-decker jets also fly to London and New York. We’re still crossing our fingers for Sydney and Melbourne to be added to that list one day…


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Etihad brings the Airbus A380 back to Paris was last modified: April 26th, 2024 by Brandon Loo