Wednesday, August 14, 2024 Etihad Airways, the flagship carrier of the UAE, is celebrating its enduring bond with India by introducing its renowned Airbus A380 to Mumbai for a special four-month period. This deployment marks the 20th anniversary of its first flight to the city. From September 1 to December 31, 2024, the A380 will operate three flights per week between Abu Dhabi (AUH) and Mumbai (BOM), elevating the travel experience on this popular route.
Since its inaugural flight to Mumbai on September 26, 2004, Etihad’s connection with India has strengthened. The airline now offers direct flights to 11 Indian cities from Abu Dhabi and plans to expand further. This expansion aligns with its goal of providing seamless connectivity for Indian travelers, whether for family visits, educational pursuits, or business engagements across the globe.
In an effort to enhance accessibility for its Indian customers, Etihad has launched a Hindi-language website, becoming the first international carrier in India to offer this feature. The airline’s dedication to the Indian market is further reflected in its support for cricket, including sponsorship of the Chennai Super Kings, and its partnership with Bollywood icon Katrina Kaif. This collaboration features an engaging series of videos shared across Etihad’s and Katrina’s social media platforms, reinforcing its presence in the region.
Arik De, Etihad’s Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, said: “To kick off our celebrations for 20 years of service to Mumbai and India, we are thrilled to introduce our A380 on the Mumbai route. While this iconic aircraft is typically reserved for long-haul journeys, for our 20 years of celebrations of flying to India, we will showcase the A380 on three-days a week for a period of four months.” Etihad Airways has more exciting plans in store, with several new partnerships and initiatives on the horizon for the rest of the year.
To mark their four-month presence in Mumbai, Etihad is offering exclusive A380-themed fares. First class tickets are available for AED 8,380 for a round trip from Abu Dhabi to Mumbai, and INR 190,383 for the return journey. Business class fares are offered at AED 2,380 for a round trip from Abu Dhabi to Mumbai and INR 50,381 for the return trip.
These special rates are available until August 25, for travel between September 1 and October 13. The A380 Experience Economy travelers can enjoy greater comfort with 68 Economy Extra legroom seats, providing an extra four inches of space, and 337 Economy Smart Seats, which come with innovative fixed-wing headrests and generous pillows for enhanced relaxation. On the upper deck, the Business StudiosTM offer 70 private suites, meticulously designed in collaboration with Armani/Casa, each featuring Wi-Fi connectivity.
The sophisticated ambiance is complemented by The Lobby lounge area, making for a refined and efficient journey. First-Class passengers can indulge in ultimate luxury within the nine exclusive First Apartments. These suites are equipped with designer tableware, sumptuous leather seating, and a spacious ottoman that converts into a bed.
Personalized amenities and access to an exclusive shower room further enhance the travel experience. Here’s the table with the flight details: Flight No Date Starts Date Ends Frequency Departure Airport Departure Arrival Airport Arrival EY 0204 1-Sep-24 26-Oct-24 Thu, Sat, Sun AUH 14:35 BOM 19:25 EY 0203 1-Sep-24 26-Oct-24 Thu, Sat, Sun BOM 22:50 AUH 0:35 EY 0204 27-Oct-24 31-Dec-24 Thu, Sat, Sun AUH 14:55 BOM 19:35 EY 0205 27-Oct-24 31-Dec-24 Thu, Sat, Sun BOM 22:40 AUH 0:40.
