Rival airlines Emirates and Etihad are both flying their luxe Airbus A380s to the US. See how the superjumbos compare.

Taylor RainsApr 28, 2024, 16:09 IST

Etihad and Emirates offer two of the most luxurious flying options between New York and the UAE.Etihad, Stan Honda/AFP via Getty Images

Etihad Airways and Emirates both fly luxe Airbus A380 superjumbos between New York and the UAE.
Etihad's plane sports the world's only three-room suite, while Emirates offers premium economy.

Etihad Airways' beloved Airbus A380 has returned to the US after four years. It landed at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport just after 10 a.m. on Monday after a more than 14-hour trek from Abu Dhabi.

The UAE-based carrier previously flew two Boeing 787 Dreamliners on the route but replaced one with the superjumbo to boost capacity amid strong demand.

This wasn't always the plan, though.

Etihad considered retiring the jet after the pandemic but eventually found that select routes could be profitable — particularly thanks to the cash cow products lining its upper deck.

Etihad's luxurious A380 will rival UAE carrier Emirates, the world's biggest operator of the behemoth double-decker. The carrier flies its A380 fleet between New York-JFK and Dubai.

Emirates has similar high-dollar amenities to Etihad's, like a shower and bar, but its retrofitted planes offer more options to those sitting on the lower level.

Here's how the cabin products on Etihad's A380 compare to those on Emirates' refurbished superjumbos.

UAE carriers Etihad and Emirates are among the few operators still flying the mammoth A380 to New York-JFK post-pandemic.

An Etihad Airways A380 flying over New York City in a rendering.Etihad Airways

The award-winning airlines are renowned for their luxe cabins that come with specific perks not seen on most Western competitors.

An Emirates A380 decked out in its livery.Emirates

The regular economy cabins that sit on the lower level of both A380s come with the typical seatback televisions, tray tables, and power ports.

Emirates economy cabin (top) vs. Etihad economy cabin (bottom).Thomas Pallini, Hollis Johnson/Business Insider

Although designed slightly differently, the pair's economy seat headrests all have a place to rest your head.

Etihad's A380 economy cabin right before its inaugural flight in 2014. Specific "Economy Space" seats have since been designated.First Class Photography/Shutterstock

However, Etihad's coach seat stands out thanks to the handheld remote complementing the touchscreen TV. It also has a built-in cupholder.

Etihad's economy cabin includes a relatively large TV.M101Studio/Shutterstock

Emirates, on the other hand, gains an edge in terms of legroom with 32 inches of seat pitch.

The legroom in Emirates' economy offers one inch more than Etihad.Thomas Pallini/Insider

While Etihad's economy cabin comprises a staggering 415 seats across the entire lower level, Emirates only has 338 coach seats in total.

Emirates' refurbished Airbus A380 boasts a unique ghaf tree design throughout the cabin.Thomas Pallini/Insider

That's because, in 2021, Emirates announced a refurbishment project that would add a new cabin to its A380 fleet — premium economy.

The new premium economy cabin on Emirates debuted in 2021.Thomas Pallini/Insider

Premium economy is an option between coach and business and comes at a sometimes much higher airfare than regular coach.

Premium economy is configured in a 2×4×2 layout.Thomas Pallini/Insider

The hefty upgrade includes added perks like more space, better food, a bigger seat, a deeper recline, and a legrest.

Customers have access to more storage and table top space, as well as more legroom.Thomas Pallini/Insider

Etihad's A380 does not have a premium economy cabin. Its "Economy Space" seat that offers more legroom is as close as it gets.

The extra legroom bulkhead seats on Etihad's A380 can come with a baby bassinet (pictured in 2015 before Economy Space was designated in 2018).M101Studio/Shutterstock

Etihad, however, does have a designated prayer room on its A380s.

The designated prayer room on Etihad.Etihad Airways

The second level of Etihad and Emirates' A380 superjumbos is the cash cow of the operation.

The staircase on Emirates' A380.Pete Syme/Business Insider

Both business class cabins are similar, with the usual plush, lie-flat seat.

Emirates business class (top) vs Etihad business class (bottom).Thomas Pallini, David Slotnick/Business Insider

Storage, linens, lighting, power ports, tray tables, giant TVs, and multi-course meals are all perks for the two UAE carriers' business-class cabins.

The center seats are separated by a privacy divider.Thomas Pallini/Insider

Neither product has a sliding door, though.

The business class seat on Etihad's A380.David Slotnick/Business Insider

A wing or partition has been installed on the seats to enhance privacy instead of a door.

The middle divider is available on Etihad's center section seats.David Slotnick/Business Insider

Customers will notice Etihad's A380 has some backward-facing business-class seats.

The forward and backward-facing business-class seats in Etihad's A380.Hollis Johnson

Meanwhile, Emirates' business class gains an edge over Etihad thanks to its included personal mini-bar.

The mini-bar on Emirates' business class seat.Thomas Pallini/Insider

Still, both UAE carriers offer a proper onboard bar and lounge to socialize or work at cruising altitude.

Emirates bar and lounge (top) vs Etihad bar and lounge (bottom).Thomas Pallini, Hollis Johnson/Business Insider

The UAE airlines' most expensive A380 cabins are first class, mostly flown by ultrawealthy travelers and those savvy enough with points.

The "do not disturb" sign on Emirates' first class.Thomas Pallini/Insider

Emirates' first class builds onto its business class with a more plush seat and more exclusivity in the front of the plane.

Emirates' refurbished Airbus A380 at Dubai Airshow 2021.Thomas Pallini/Insider

However, Emirates' most elite travelers get added perks like a privacy door, a vanity, and a bigger mini bar that stores into the side table.

Emirates' first class seat.Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

Plus, first-class travelers get access to Emirates' luxe "shower spa" — a rarity on commercial airliners.

The shower in Emirates' A380 first class cabin.Thomas Pallini/Insider

And Etihad's first-class cabin offers one, too.

The shower for travelers in Etihad's first class apartments.Hollis Johnson/Business Insider

But Etihad offers something that Emirates' first-class doesn't — a separate bed and chair.

Apartment 5C on Etihad's A380.M101Studio/Shutterstock

The fully enclosed mini hotel room stretches 39 square feet.

The Etihad apartments have a full privacy door.Hollis Johnson/Business Insider

Moreover, some apartments can be combined for two people to share.

Two of Etihad's A380 apartments combined.M101Studio/Shutterstock

Emirates' cabins stop at first class, but Etihad offers something beyond that in the form of a three-room suite called "The Residence."

The Residence is Etihad's crown jewel.Etihad

The flying penthouse includes a separate living room, bedroom, and ensuite bathroom, complete with a shower.

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

One or two people traveling together can enjoy The Residence thanks to the double bed.

The Residence bedroom has a double bed.Hollis Johnson/Business Insider

Overall, Emirates and Etihad offer luxe long-haul products as each tries to one-up the competition.

An Emirates Airbus A380 sits at a gate.ZGPhotography/Shutterstock

With good fortune, both will continue flying the fan-favorite A380 to NYC for years to come.

Etihad A380 pilots after landing in New York on Monday.Etihad Airways

20 eerie photos that show what happened to Sarajevo's Olympic venues after the 1984 Winter Games

Cookies on the Business Insider India website