Etihad brings forward its first A380 flight to New York

Etihad has brought forward the first scheduled flight of its Airbus A380 service to New York.

The Abu Dhabi carrier was originally due to start the service to John F Kennedy Airport on December 1, but said that it has changed the first flight to November 23.

“The updated arrival date and additional capacity for the A380 service comes in response to strong demand from Etihad Airways guests who are travelling during the US’s busy Thanksgiving holiday, as well as to attend the 2015 Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix taking place from November 27 to 29,” it said in a statement.

The airline added that the A380 will replace one of the existing Boeing 777 services and will provide a daily service between the two cities.

The A380 service will feature The Residence - a private three-room suite that includes a living room, a double bedroom, and a separate ensuite shower room and a Savoy-trained butler.

A Miami-based businessman was the first passenger to use the luxury service, paying US$20,000 for the flight to London in December. Etihad said The Residence was sold out for its first 10 flights.

There’s also nine First Apartments on board, with each offering a private living space with fully flat bed. A shower is also available for first class guests.

Etihad also flies the A380 to Sydney.