UAE national airline Etihad Airways today (July 1) introduced an Airbus A380 aircraft on one of its two daily services between its hub Abu Dhabi and Charles de Gaulle airport in French capital Paris. 

 

The superjumbo replaces a three-class Boeing 777-300ER previously operating the airline’s daily overnight service to the French capital, said a statement from the Abu Dhabi carrier.

 

The new service has been introduced early to meet seasonal demand till October 28 and from December 15 to February 15, 2018. The A380 will then operate a regular year-round service starting from March 25, it added.

 

Mohammad Al Bulooki, Etihad Airways executive vice president (Commercial) said: "Paris is one of Etihad's most sought-after destinations, popular with both leisure and business flyers alike. The global capital of style and gastronomy deserves us to fly our flagship product to town, offering world-leading and award-winning inflight hospitality experiences in the skies."

 

"Paris is a city loved by all of us in the UAE. We have also seen an increase in the number of French visitors we are welcoming to Abu Dhabi, a hub of culture, commerce and tourism, which is home to French institutions such as the spectacular Louvre Museum and the Paris-Sorbonne University," remarked Al Bulooki. 

 

"Adding the flagship aircraft on this important route reaffirms Etihad Airways’ and the UAE’s commitment to the French market and celebrates the deep cultural and business ties which exist between our two countries," he added.

 

The aircraft was piloted by a French Captain and an Emirati First Officer.

 

On arrival at Paris, the flight was greeted with a customary water canon salute. Later the local media and special guests were invited to meet executives from the airline and also tour the aircraft’s award-winning interiors.-TradeArabia News Service