Etihad's mammoth Airbus A380 is returning to the US next year. Take a look at its exclusive $24,000 'The Residence' suite.

Taylor RainsJan 15, 2024, 10:07 IST

Etihad's A380 and its luxurious "The Residence" first class suite are returning to New York.Etihad

Etihad Airways is sending its beloved Airbus A380 back to New York starting April 2024.
The decision comes after the airline nearly retired the quad-engine superjumbo during the pandemic.

Etihad Airways is bringing its superjumbo back to the US after nearly retiring it during the pandemic.

On November 29, the UAE-based airline announced its Airbus A380 would resume flights between Abu Dhabi and New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport starting on April 22, 2024. This would be the first time the quad jet flew the route since 2020.

According to Etihad, the A380 will boost capacity as it takes over one of the two frequencies currently serving New York-JFK — the second will be operated by a Boeing 787-9.

"Our North American portfolio has continued to exceed expectations with the second daily JFK flight introduced last year performing well," Etihad CRO Arik De told Business Insider on Thursday.

With its return, deep-pocket US travelers once again have access to the A380's crown jewel: The Residence.

Take a look at what up to $50,000 gets you on a roundtrip flight between New York and Abu Dhabi in Etihad's one-of-a-kind first class suite.

Exclusively installed on its mammoth A380, The Residence is the world's only three-room suite on a passenger plane.

An Etihad Airways A380 over New York.Etihad Airways

According to De, the Residence is only available by upgrading a first class ticket.

A screenshot showing the $24,000 roundtrip price tag for The Residence in May 2024.Etihad Airways

For two people, you're looking at upwards of $50,000 total roundtrip for The Residence, depending on the route and season.

Airbus/Etihad

And, demand for The Residence is booming — helping make Etihad's A380's an "overall commercially profitable venture in New York.”

The Residence' lavatory sits between the living room and the bedroom.Marwan Naamani/Getty Images

The first space in The Residence is the livingroom with a giant flatscreen television and a multi-person couch.

The living room onboard one of Etihad's A380.Etihad Airways via Getty Images

Here, travelers can eat, work, or watch movies.

The living room on an Etihad A380 "The Residence" cabin.Hollis Johnson

Passengers will be served luxury meals, including things like caviar, steak, champagne, and wine.

A butler used to serve The Residence passengers, though an interview with Etihad's CEO revealed they would not return.Etihad Airways

Down the hall from the living room is The Residence's private bathroom, complete with a shower.

The Residence bathroom with a shower.Etihad Airways via Getty Images

Showers are rare onboard airliners because the water adds extra weight, with Emirates as the only other carrier offering one.

Emirates' first class shower spa.Emirates

The last room of The Residence is the bedroom, which one or two people can use.

The Residence's bedroom.Etihad Airways via Getty Images

Considered one of the most luxurious airline offerings in the sky, travelers were worried when Etihad's A380 nearly retired.

The lounge and bar space on the A380's upper deck can be accessed by first and business class passengers.Etihad Airways

Fortunately, the surge in demand for air travel in 2022 prompted Etihad to add it back to the fleet.

An Etihad Airbus A380.Hollis Johnson

Etihad's new A380 route will be the second in its network following the return to London in July 2023.

Hollis Johnson

De told BI that the decision to add the A380 to NYC came after the second frequency proved commercially successful.

Etihad's Airbus A380 business class.Hollis Johnson

Although some of its A380s are flying again, six of Etihad's 10 superjumbos are still parked but remain "in reserve."

An Etihad A380 flies to the US.Etihad

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