Flying Etihad's A380 Inaugural! SUPERJUMBO Business Class + Full Aircraft Tour

Join us as we fly Etihad’s very first A380 flight after removing the superjumbo Airbus from storage. We’re on EY11 from Abu Dhabi to London Heathrow in Upper Deck business class (seat 22K) - and we’re boarding early so that we can walk you through the entire aircraft, on both decks, and say a quick hello to the pilots too! Check out the beautiful economy class and find out which seats have the best engine view; take a peek at the ultra-luxurious Residence with its separate bedroom; tour the First Class Apartments and get our seat recommendations there too; and join us in business class where we’ll walk through the seat, the service, the food, the amenities, and show you all the inaugural flight goodies we got too. Watch a moody middle-of-the-night takeoff on this super-quiet beast of a plane, and a calm and lovely early morning arrival, with a fair bit of cloudsurfing, into London’s Heathrow Airport. Etihad has a very nice offering with its A380, and we’re looking forward to seeing more come back into the fold.
Flightradar24 playback for flight EY11 on July 25, 2023: www.flightrada...
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Jetphotos.com thumbnail image © Jeff M www.jetphotos....
SECTIONS:
00:22 Boarding the A380
01:27 Meeting the pilots
02:13 The Residence
02:37 First Class
02:53 Business Class
03:08 Economy Class
05:03 In Business seat 22K
06:31 The A380 magic
07:01 Inaugural goodies
08:20 Amenity kit contents
09:42 Takeoff
12:09 Drinks & meal service
12:59 The bed
14:10 Breakfast
14:29 Business class bar/lounge
15:04 Descent to London
16:21 Landing
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#Etihad #A380 #aviation

[@valeriashibaeva8913]

Never flew the a380 myself, but I know that my parents accidentaly flew it when the plane they were supposed to fly turned out to be overbooked. As they said, it was a great experience that they will never forget, because double-decker planes are quite rare and the experience was so much different from the usual flight. I really hope to be able to fly a380 one day or at least see it, because it truly facinates me, how something that big can fly in the sky.

[@topfelya]

I'm glad to see Etihad A380 back to London Heathrow 🙂

[@gadget2937]

Have seen many an A380 landing at LHR when plane spotting. The size of them is so impressive and you can see why they are the king of the skies

[@jaydoshi1035]

Fine

[@michael_atkins]

The most memorable moment for me when flying on the a380 was when the flight deck allowed me to help with one of the steps with the shutdown which back then as a 12 year old was the most exciting thing that ever happened to me and fuelled me into wanting to become a pilot 5 years down the line. Now I am hoping to apply to the British Airways flight program to become a first officer

[@davidcole333]

6 hours is not long enough to get the full experience. But the aircraft looks amazing, I would fly it anytime. My only A380 experience has been Korean Air ICN to JFK...14 hours. Incredible food and service, the aircraft was so spacious and quiet. People would love to fly if every flight was like that one.

[@mikrokupu]

My first A380 experience was on Singapore Airlines route SIN-NRT years ago. It was something new back then, I was so thrilled to be sitting on the upper deck in Economy that I wanted to share my excitement with the gentleman sitting next to me. He didn't say anything, the look he gave said it all, "Oh Lord one of those aviation geeks again..." 😁 After that I've flown A380 on SIN-ZRH and Qatar's bird on DOH-BKK. Love it!

[@gluecksdrache2054]

Thank you for sharing this. And sorry for your seat neighbor which hadn't understood the wonders of aviation at all. 😜 Had a similar experience with a neighbor in a narrowbody just wanting him to show the great stadium of Real Madrid we flew over. (Before flightradar24 so there was no way to know if to sit right or left before...). So just pure luck.

[@graviation63]

As soon as I read they were officially returning, I booked my flight, which will be in the economy cabin in January next year. Certainly can't wait! 😊

[@GerhardusDelport]

A380, flew once with Emirates from Bangkok to Dubai. My Seat was first row in the front of lower deck. Will never forget it.

[@imranahmadkhan1746]

So glad they brought the A380's back. I flew this bird in 2019 abu dhabi to new york and it was awesome . Hopefully they start with that route too ... soon .

[@aznandyroo]

My first and only A380 flight was on the last Singapore A380 between JFK and FRA earlier this year. It was amazing, I didn't even know when we pushed back!

[@thornament367]

A380 is a masterpiece of a plane, I dream to fly it one day!

[@peter-paulmbele1842]

Have flown on this beast A380 a couple of times. Between Kuala Lumpur & Dubai, and most recently on my Dubai to London leg of a trip from home, South Africa 🇿🇦! Always an amazing experience!

[@thierrydelattre3054]

Amazing vlog mate. Have flown A380 these last 10 years on different routes from DXB to major cities in Europe. Each flight, I was like a kid, I enjoyed it as it was a first time each flight. Amazingly silent, just a masterpiece. Hope all airlines will keep them flying for years. Your video is absolutely immersive, we can feel what you feel. 👍

[@Flightradar24DotCom]

Well said about the 380! And thanks so much for the kind words!

[@LeeAviation]

I’m so bummed! I was supposed to be on it on the original date, July 15th but they pushed it to July 25th. I’m glad you enjoyed it, just wish I was there. Worst feeling ever especially because it was the inaugural. No difference really but it was the FIRST flight which would’ve been amazing to be part of. Anyway, I’ll try attempt 2 to get on it in September.

[@bustea7819]

I absolutely adore the A380! Havent gotten to fly it yet due to financial limitations, but im definetly planning on Flying it on my next trip to Japan

[@Prof_Prokrastination]

I love the A380 😍 I have flown from Frankfurt to Singapore with it and it was a truly sensational flight! Great to see it back in service at Etihad, Lufthansa and others 👍🏼

[@stdtoaster]

Good to see the A380 fleet activated again at EY. It really is an amazing aircraft. Lucky you could catch the inaugral flight.

[@shazania69]

I Flew Asiana’s A380 between Seoul an Sydney. It was such an amazing experience! I’m excited for next A380 flight from Houston to Dubai on Emirates in December!

[@philsflights]

Great vlog as always, Gabriel. I took my first A380 flight last December with Asiana in business class from ICN to BKK. Incredible experience. Etihad was my first ultra-long haul flight. That was on their A340-600 from YYZ to AUH back in 2008. They were wonderful then and look even better now. Keep up the great work ... it's appreciated and enjoyed.

[@andreasb913]

I flew on an A380 a few years ago on the route Frankfurt-Singapore. It was amazing flying on this beautiful aircraft. I hope that all passengers flying on the A380 one day admire this masterpiece of engineering! 😊

[@carolinecoward469]

I flew an a380 from LAX-LHR with my mother for her 75th birthday. We were on the upper deck. Beautiful machine!

[@iancroot1388]

Fantastic video of a truly memorable flight for you. Never had the honour of flying the A380 yet but I think the two flights that would be on my bucket list would either be Etihad Airways LHR to Abu Dhabi for the F! Grand Prix or Qantas LHR to Brisbane for an Ashes Test. Anyway great stream & NOW SUBSCRIBED.

[@TMccrury]

I've flown on AF A380's a few times between IAD-CDG and once on BA between LHR-JNB. I really enjoyed my flights on the A380. My dream flight on an A380 would be to the apartment on Etihad on the longest possible flight. I've always been privileged to sit on the upper deck on the A380's as well and really liked it. Great channel and love your style with the video's.

[@davidbr34]

Never flown on an A380, would love to go to Perth WA on a Qatar one to see my wife’s relatives. The A380 always seems to put a smile on passengers faces 😊

[@enelym1978]

Loved the review with some exclusive shots of the cabin! I love flying on the A380.... it sucks that most airlines will retire it. It's so quiet and comfy. I've only flown on LH, BA and SQ's A380 so far....

[@BRTripReport]

Etihad did a great job keeping these aircraft top notch for the re-inaugural A380 flights. Thanks for sharing!

[@phpfreakie]

I've never had the pleasure of flying the A380. Would like to someday but don't think it will happen (very soon). I don't take that many flights, let alone long haul flights. Howevery when I get the chance, even when it would cost me a bit more or take me on a little detour I would definately take the opportunity! Regardless, another great video Gabe! I remember a lot of video's ago you announced that you would be giving every kit away but after that didn't hear any more of it, glad to hear you're bringing the giveaway back! 😀

[@TheRuby47]

Best airplane ever. So calm not shake, rattle and roll in the air

[@janethurst9221]

Just LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, the A380! ❤ Not been on one yet but you can tell its a stunning aircraft just from the outside & thanks to Gabriel's vlog it obviously is on the inside too! You've left me extremely envious young man! 💚😆 And dreaming of the day when I'll take my seat onboard to check it out for myself too! 💭🤞😃

[@18robsmith]

A few years back I treated myself to a Vancouver - London flight with BA premium economy as the final part of a round trip, on various B757, B767, dash-8, then the A380. What a flight, left Vancouver in the dark and watched the airport lights drift by, tilt and vanish..... and finally into Heathrow quite early in the morning (dawn). I was not disappointed by the A380, not just the low noise level, but the general ambience and feeling space upstairs.

[@raymondimus2221]

Never flown on an A380, but always wanted to! Bucket list item for sure. What an amazing bird! Keep up the great content, Gabriel!

[@passportaffair]

I love the A380, flown it quite a few times and its always an amazing experience ❤️

[@CollinChappelle333]

A380 My first and only so far. LHR-SFO on BA! Paid +$500 specifically to take that leg home & sit on up top in a pair of seats in the 2/4/2 config. Even saw the Aurora for the first time! Magical!

[@Richard_Details]

My 1st encounter with an A380 was at Myrtle Avenue, an Emirates took off from LHR and the noise of the 4 engines made my neck hair stand on end. The 747 has always been my favourite aircraft but the A380 is a close second

[@alexbuchard6505]

My last A380 flight i had was from NYC-MXP on Emirates. The flight number was EK206. I love the A380 but don’t get to flight it often as it doesn’t fly to my home airport (Geneva) My experiences are always amazing onboard the A380 and can’t wait to fly it somewhere else around the world. The A380 is the best aircraft in my opinion.😊😊 Congrats again to Ethihad for allowing passengers to fly on this amazing masterpiece.🎉🎉

[@jackp1631]

Way back before I was an avgeek I was very lucky to visit Toulouse (from the US). One of my semi-distant relatives was an A380 flight test engineer on the first flight and took my family on one of the test planes just while it was on the ground. Sadly I was too young to really remember it so I look forward to getting on an A380 again at some point (and actually getting in the air this time).

[@JustDhyan123]

A380 If I was to fly an A380 I would fly From Sydney Australia to London Heathhrow ❤

[@aryehisaacsaul0399]

I can't wait for the A380 to come to MSFS!!!!

[@TheNatasha66]

I've never flown on an A380, I'm a Boeing 747 fan and often wondered as a child (in the 70's) when they'd build a double deck jet airliner. A long haul flight from Melbourne to London would be my ideal flight on an A380.

[@JNK1337]

Mesmerizing... Gabriel you managed to transfer the whole experience to my screen. Etihad cabin is among the very best that ever been fitted to a380. I have never flown the super jumbo. I hope that one day, i will visit Singapore. And when i eventually do, i believe it will be a380 flight.

[@Flightradar24DotCom]

Glad you enjoyed it! And good luck catching that 380!

[@markhopkins459]

I’ve yet to fly the A380, and it would be a thrill to ride one to Europe, one day. The King!

[@johnlester5352]

Ethihads 380 to London. Once again you have giving me something I can never experience. You are my Hero for doing this for all of us.

[@branscombeR]

While commuting regularly between LON and SIN before Covid, my wife and I always booked A380 flights ... the sense of interior space is less claustrophobic and it seemed so quiet and stable in the air compared with other long-distance jets. We're now retired to Australia and don't travel so much any more, but will search out A380's for sure on our next flight back to Europe.

[@jayng153]

My favourite A380 memory was flying into Dubai in 2017, as we flew over the sandy dunes on our final approach, i spotted another 7 A380's flying above us, below us and off to the side. Nobody does the 380 like Emirates!

[@Flightradar24DotCom]

Amazing!

[@martynbragg2286]

A380 such an amazing piece of engineering and so nice to hear Etihad are bring them back into service. Another amazing youTube video by Gabriel for Flight Radar24 a fantastic insight of the quality of service and surroundings from a truly quality airline hope one day to have the opportunity to fly on the A380, possible choice from Heathrow to a USA destination.

[@IgboTIFOSI]

Always an A380 fan but never flown. Glad to see them coming back online. At least now there is a slim chance I will get a ride on one. Hope it lives long.

[@MH-gh]

ReallyReally Nice Trip Report & you always do come across as relaxed, calm and well spoken…great to see the A380 making a “comeback” with this & other airlines

[@starfish370]

Fabulous video, well done, Gabriel and FR 24 👏👏👏❗️

[@Flightradar24DotCom]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@gxgem1971]

I flew Qatar airlines A380 from Doha to Phuket Thailand. It was AMAZING. A380 is the 8th wonder of the world!

[@leemarvingaye4506]

I flew Emirates A380 from Toronto to Dubai, when I was planning my trip to Dubai. I purposely pick Emirates because A380. I booked economy seat for $1,200 return - few days before departure received an email for an upgrade to business for $1,000. Took the offer and “wow” Emirates A380 business seat and service is impeccable, at par as Singapore Airlines A380

[@tonydiggins3441]

I’ve been very lucky to have flown SIA A380 numerous times between LHR & SIN & SIN & SYD - always absolutely superb and it was great to see you looking forward to it so much … also, so glad all the doom and gloom about the 380 never returning post-covid was proved wrong! Thank you - great video … Tony Diggins

[@mpbee78]

Great video as always Gabe. It is cool to see just how much emphasis airlines are putting into the A380 comeback! My most recent A380 flight was IAD-LHR pre-pandemic on BA. Somehow I recall even in economy getting some extra space on the upper deck along the window. My first time on the A380 was FRA-NRT on Lufthansa way back when and got the unexpected upgrade to premium economy. Great flights all around

[@theengelsbak]

Flew on the Emirates a380 to Dubai from Copenhagen and I must say truly a unique experience compared to other flights and aircraft I’ve been on. You can’t miss out on these beauties. Recently discovered this channel and been watching ever since. Hope to win! All the best.

[@lencrites7044]

I hope to fly from LAX to Abu Dhabi on the A380 one day. Two goals met. Flying on the A380 and seeing Abu Dhabi. I just flew the 737Max8 from LAX to HNL on Southwest. Very uncomfortable but great service with 182 lives aboard.

[@yolandakirkbeck9216]

Love A380 I have flowen 4 flights from New Zealand to Holland in 2010 and 2015 with Emeritus. 🥰 Yolanda

[@donmunaweera1346]

I'd love to fly the A380 from abu Dhabi to Toronto

[@Flightradar24DotCom]

Thanks for the comment! You've won the amenity kit in our random drawing! Please send a note to gabriel-at-fr24.com or message @gabeleigh on Instagram and let us know where to send it.

[@millsjohn14]

My first flight ever 30/10/17 EY20 LHR AUH seat 55B followed by 31/10/17 EY450 AUH SYD seat 45A both flights operated by A6-APG. 10,935 miles of pure enjoyment, a beautiful introduction to flying

[@xrayzulu1987]

LHR - DXB, LHR - DOH, always a pleasant experience. Even economy feels very spacious and comfortable.

[@AidanM94x]

I'm flying on the a380 late August, I can't wait! My first time aboard the magnificent a380!

[@ashadedblobfish]

I flew the A380 from London to Singapore recently and it was very impressive to fly on, not to mention surprisingly comfortable, even in economy

[@EmmanuelSunil]

When I was in college, i used to fly home with the Emirates A380 AMS-DXB every summer. It was always just a great experience, even in the middle seat in Economy. Such a silent plane!

[@d1possum]

I have flown the A380 a few times - Qantas to the US and the most memorable, Etihad from Abu Dhabi to Sydney during Ramadan, when the plane was maybe 10% occupied!

[@raghavbajoria4430]

My first experience in this amazing big bird A380 was with Air France from New York JFK to Paris CDG. It was the most wonderful flight of my life. Feeling was so great that I never want to get out of this aircraft :D. Beautiful and Powerful

[@diamonddeb2621]

A380, wow what a stunning aircraft,I’ve not flown for about 27 years due to being so nervous with flying.But love ❤watching aviation weird I know . Maybe one day when I pluck up enough courage to get back on a plane.

[@garrybenson]

I've been lucky enough to fly Etihad's and Malaysian A380's on my two visits to my daughter in Sydney. Simply the most comfortable and astonishing aircraft I have ever been on. Always in economy so have never had the joy of an amenity kit. 🙂 😉

[@suwiggtube]

A380! I flew on an AirFrance A380 around 2019 from CDG to ATL. I was upgraded to their Premium Economy upper deck and it was a beautiful and wonderous aircraft! It is now my favorite.

[@nicopro3956]

Unfortunately I've never flown with the A380 but my dream flight would be from my homebase in Hamburg to Los Angeles

[@frederikw.hansen8803]

I have flown the A380 from Dubai to Kuala Lumpur with Emirates & with Air France from Paris to San Francisco & from Los Angeles to Paris. I certainly enjoyed flying an A380!🎉

[@jon4]

I've flown A380 several times on the Singapore - London route. Singapore Airlines first class is amazing.✈

[@alonzoj.107]

I've flown on the Airbus A-380 three times from the U.S. to Asia! If I had a magic wand, I would definitely fly it to anywhere I needed to go! I feel Etihad's A-380 had the best-looking paint job of any A-380! Long-live the A-380! ✈️

[@scctluxger9202]

A380- i flew with it few years already.. but everytime only afford economy seat.. but yet still feels like heaven when you seat inside.. cant even feel that u are flying.. because once ups to the air it comfort as ur sleeping bed haha..

[@bill1806]

I've flown Emirates A380 quite a few times (Economy). Etihad A380 looks amazing. I will definitely fly from LHR to Bangkok later this year. Which will also be my first ever business flight. Cannot wait.

[@martinvareed8756]

After the 747 The A380 is the most impressive of the big birds. I have flown A 380 EK but not Etihad...would love to some day. this video of yours have definitely helped me walk near to my target :) thanks again...cheerios!!! thanks again brother!!

[@_daxre]

Not a doubt, amongst all A380 operators, Etihad is THE one to really make the A380 interior matching the aircraft. Outstanding, absolute tob notch, unmatched. It´s not just an aircraft with higher capacity. You don´t see the same cabin just bigger. It´s a complete standalone product which is absolutely above anything else the airline and any other airline offers. There may be airlines providing better service etc. but objectively, you will not find a better cabin anywhere including Emirates. Etihad is and will still be another league regarding the A380.

[@sfdulaimi]

Thanks for the nice & special video. I flew the Emirates A380 several times between LHR/LGW-DXB ! Economy seats were comfortable and the inflight services were very good. Ice entertainment system keeps you busy during the flight ✈️ & the 3 cameras on the aeroplane give nice views especially during landing and takeoff!

[@luccas721]

My next A380 flight is with Singapore Airlines to Hong Kong in November and I couldn’t be more excited to finally fly on the superjumbo again! I will attempt to secure the forward zone economy seats for the unbeatable engine view as Singapore Airlines configures their A380s with premium economy and economy only on the main deck. The forward zone economy should provide magnificent engine views! Amazing blog as always.

[@l2etranger]

15:40 my favorite part, must be the inspiration for sci-fi re-entry.

[@edward0130]

A380! I flew Singapore A380 from LHR to SIN. What a beautiful bird and I hope to fly it more before it's too late!

[@mkkm945]

Flown in the front on economy in this from AUH to JFK back in 2018. Was ridiculously smooth and quiet.

[@shxdess]

A380. havent flown the A380 yet, has been a dream since i started liking aviation back when i was 4. i dont have a particular route which i want to fly the A380 on just being on it would be a dream. I still remember how excited i was when i saw it for the first time up close took me over a decade to finally see the superjumbo.

[@malekmustafa9227]

Such a lovely video about the comeback of the Etihad A380! I haven’t been onboard the A380 yet, but my goal is to get onboard a A380 from Europe to Asia.

[@derschwabinger]

A380 😎 - I took this plane from Singapore to Beijing. A great experience.

[@Toy-bB]

I'm yet to even see an A380 in person let alone fly one, but my cousin flew an Emirates A380 economy from Dubai to LAX. I got to enter the cockpit of an Air France A350-941 in flight as we flew over Athens Greece at 41k feet at 10pm and watched another jet fly below us it was amazing. You can see that business class on my channel. But I look forward to experiencing A380 business class one day.

[@CyclespeedTours]

You are far more watchable than the other flight reviewers, like Trek Trendy or Paul Lucas or Noel Phillips or Sam Chui. You are just a normal intelligent guy rather than an oddball. Non Stop Dan is the only other that I like!

[@joehoare5832]

Flew the A380 with Etihad 3 years ago Abu Dhabi to London, the final day before we went into Lockdown! Sadly its the last time I have flown on one, glad they are coming back as was worried for a while I wouldn't get the change again.

[@Michael-ru3rt]

I used Emirates' A380 between Munich and Dubai on two occasions around 2015 while travelling to South Asia. Both in Economy and the service was quite a step ahead of what European airlines offered at that time. I guess you need a longer leg to really enjoy Business with both its service and the flat bed.

[@usofatube]

A380 MEL-SIN, Singapore Airlines. Always loved and preferred the A380. Used to reserve my seats in the upper deck, where they had a small economy section.

[@tordogland]

I first flew the a380 home from Miami, with Lufthansa in 2014. I was only 7 years old at the time, but I instantly fell in love with the a380. When I turned 10 years old I got to choose a place in the world where I wanted to go, and I choose Dubai, because I had seen that there was so many a380s there. Me and my family flew with emirates(via Copenhagen) and it is still my favorite flight ever. Even in economy the seats were comfortable and the cabin as always super quiet. Such a cool plane

[@christopherb668]

I flew Singapore Airlines very first A380 from SYD to SIN….I went halfway around the world just to fly on it! I would LOVE to fly on an ETIHAD A380!

[@aranyos99]

02:14 Central European time. I flew the Emirates A380 from Auckland to Melbourne and the Qantas A380 from Sydney to Dallas Fort Worth. Loved both.

[@jeanniejones9548]

What a fabulous plane o n the A380, never flown it myself ,it would be a dream to fly to Abu Dhabi to visit my grandson who now lives and works there.Havent seen him since January when he flew here the UK for my husband, his grandfather's funeral .

[@johnlester5352]

Great show, you are my hero, taking the flights I can never take. Thank you so much for this.

[@collinhackett5632]

I’ve been lucky to fly the A380 three times now. Most recently I flew from SFO Dubai in n Emirates on tail number A6-EVS which was the last A380 ever produced. I hope I can fly on Etihad’s A380 in the near future

[@deborahadams5438]

flew A380 Singapore to Melbourne in March this year. I love this bird.

[@chrisweaver5362]

Working on the ramp in ATL, I saw an Air France A380 taxi pass a gate I was working. Everyone, including me, was in shock as it was rolling by to takeoff.

[@Gabrieltamdesign]

Lucky enough to have done business, PE & Economy on Singapore Airline A380 in the space of two months earlier this year. Can say hands down it's the most pleasant way to fly in terms of noise level and stability.

[@grahambuckle510]

I loved flying LHR to MEL(and back) on an A380. My favourite airplane

[@ZengoMay]

Love the A380; previous flights 6 x AUH-LHR, 1 SIN-LHR, 1 DOH-LHR. Next Etihad 380 flights in September; can’t wait!

[@samuelragert5326]

Flew the A380 one’s. The Thai A380 between Frankfurt and Bangkok. Amazing how quiet it is, it is such a amazing and beautiful aircraft!✈️

[@jacquierolle7908]

I have never flown on an A380 but I'm glad you shared this vlog and I would love to visit Singapore to the UK. First time I'm coming across your video Gabe and I definitely subscribed. I would love to see more videos of your trips. This is surely on my bucket list to do!