Etihad to fly Airbus A380 from December 2015

Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the UAE, will fly the new Airbus A380 service, featuring The Residence, the airline's ultra-luxurious and private three-room suite in the sky, a first in commercial aviation, beginning December 1st, 2015, for passengers traveling between New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport and the airline's Abu Dhabi home, it said in a statement yesterday.
James Hogan, Etihad Airways' President and Chief Executive Officer, said, "The United States 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.
"At Etihad Airways, we are committed to offering unmatched luxury, comfort and convenience for our guests traveling with us across every class of service. New York marks the first U.S. destination where we will introduce our industry-leading A380 aircraft products and experience." 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% 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 Airways serves 15 unique destinations in India from Abu Dhabi.
Measuring 125 square feet 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" LCD monitor in the living room and a 24" 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 of which opens up to become a separate 80.5" long fully flat bed. Each First Apartment also offers a 74 percent increase in space over the airline's current award-winning First Class suites, a 24" swivelling LCD TV monitor and personal vanity unit. A fully equipped shower room is available for exclusive use by First Class guests.
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.
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" personal TV monitor.