On February 2, 2025, Etihad Airways celebrated a historic moment with its first flight to Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) using the Airbus A380. This significant step strengthens flight connections between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Singapore, marking a major milestone in Etihad’s global network.
First Flight: EY498
The inaugural flight, EY498, departed from Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport (AUH) at 22:31 on February 1. After a journey of 6 hours and 57 minutes, it landed successfully in Singapore. The return flight took off the next day from Singapore at 19:44 and landed back in Abu Dhabi at 22:33.
The launch flight was operated by Etihad’s Airbus A380-800, which previously served major routes such as London, New York, and Paris. Now, it will operate daily flights between Abu Dhabi and Singapore. Previous flights on this route were operated by the Boeing 777-300ER or Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner, but the new A380 will provide increased capacity and enhanced first-class services.
Travel Experience with the A380
The deployment of Etihad’s A380 on the Singapore route increases seat capacity by 28%, offering a total of 486 seats on the aircraft. This includes:
- The Residence: The only three-room suite in the sky.
- Nine First Apartments: Luxurious suites.
- 70 Business Studios: Exclusive spaces for business travelers.
- 405 Smart Economy Seats: Superior travel comfort.
Additionally, the upper deck features The Lobby, a private lounge area for First and Business class passengers.
Etihad’s Growing A380 Network in Asia
Singapore became the fourth major city to join Etihad’s A380 network, alongside:
- London Heathrow (LHR)
- New York JFK (JFK)
- Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG)
Etihad currently operates a total of six A380 aircraft, reflecting the airline’s efforts to enhance passenger experiences on high-demand routes.
Rising Demand for Singapore
The strong trade, cultural, and business connections between the UAE and Singapore highlight the importance of this new service. The added A380 flights to Singapore will strengthen not only tourism but also business connections in sectors like aviation, energy, and technology.
Etihad has also decided to increase flights to Thailand, responding to the rising demand for Bangkok and Phuket. This move aims to strengthen connections between the Middle East and Southeast Asia, offering passengers more premium travel options.
CEO Antonoaldo Neves’ Statements
Etihad Airways CEO Antonoaldo Neves stated, “Our A380 service to Singapore will provide an exceptional flight experience for our passengers and seamless connections across our global network.”
This strategic move reinforces Etihad’s strong growth momentum in the Asian market and its goal of expanding its global network. The introduction of the A380 to Singapore marks a significant milestone in Etihad’s strategy of luxury passenger transport and capacity enhancement.
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