UAE-based Etihad Airways will introduce its new Airbus A380 service from December 1 for guests traveling between New York’s John F Kennedy (JFK) International Airport and the airline’s Abu Dhabi home.

The A380 features The Residence by Etihad, the airline’s ultra-luxurious and private three-room suite in the sky.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways president and chief executive officer, said: “The US is a strategically important part of Etihad Airways’ growing global network and as a result of increased demand from our guests traveling between New York and Abu Dhabi -- and onto the world, we are pleased to upgrade one of our two daily flights to an A380.”

“New York marks the first US destination where we will introduce our industry-leading A380 aircraft products and experience,” Hogan said.

Etihad Airways will continue to offer double daily service between New York’s JFK Airport and Abu Dhabi. The addition of the A380 will allow Etihad Airways to match capacity with increased demand. In 2014 alone, Etihad Airways’ Business and Economy Class load factors exceeded 80 per cent on the popular route.

The two daily flights offer guests traveling from New York access to 709 weekly connections to 34 markets across the Gulf, Middle East, Indian subcontinent, Africa and South East Asia. With equity partner Jet Airways, Etihad serves 15 unique destinations in India from Abu Dhabi.

The Residence by Etihad has captured the imagination of the air travel industry since it was unveiled in May 2014. Measuring 125 sq ft in area, The Residence by Etihad features a private living room, separate en-suite shower room, bedroom with a double bed, and a dedicated Savoy Academy trained Butler to look after the needs of its discerning guests. The revolutionary cabin features a large 32-inch LCD monitor in the living room and a 24-inch version in the bedroom. Located on the forward upper deck of the A380, The Residence by Etihad is available for single or double occupancy.

The A380 is also the only aircraft in the Etihad Airways fleet to feature nine First Apartments in the industry’s first ever single aisle cabin on a wide body aircraft. Each apartment offers a private living space with a large Poltrona Frau leather lounge chair and an ottoman -- the latter which opens up to become a separate 80.5-inch long fully flat bed. Each First Apartment also offers a 74 per cent increase in space over the airline’s current award-winning First Class suites, a 24-inch swivelling LCD TV monitor and personal vanity unit.  A fully equipped shower room is available for exclusive use by First Class guests.

Around 70 Business Studios, set in a 1-2-1 configuration, are located on the upper deck of the A380, providing guests with a 20 per cent increase in personal space, direct aisle access and a fully flat bed of up to 80.5-inch in length. Upholstered in Poltrona Frau leather, each Business Studio is equipped with in-seat massage and a pneumatic cushion control system. This unique feature is also installed in The Residence by Etihad and the First Apartment seating.

The Lobby, available to guests in First and Business Class, is a serviced lounge and bar area located between the two cabins, featuring leather sofas, refreshments and a large TV with USB connection.

Around 415 Economy Smart Seats are located on the main deck and feature enhanced comfort with unique, ergonomic ‘fixed wing’ headrests, lumbar support and a larger 11.1 -inch personal TV monitor.

The airline has introduced the latest Panasonic eX3 entertainment system with a new, modern interface onboard the A380, providing more than 750 hours of on-demand entertainment, improved gaming, and high definition touchscreens across all cabins. The system also has video touchscreen handsets in all cabins, offering an additional screen so guests can play games or view the moving map while watching their chosen programme. Noise cancelling headsets are provided across all cabins with built-in magnetic audio jacks for superior sound quality. The A380 is equipped with full mobile and wi-fi service, and USB and power points at every seat in every cabin, as well as seven channels of Live TV. – TradeArabia News Service