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.flightradar24.com/data/fl...
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Jetphotos.com thumbnail image © Jeff M www.jetphotos.com/photo/11023625
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.

[@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.

[@topfelya]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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 .

[@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!

[@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!

[@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 👍🏼

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@stdtoaster]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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....

[@JustDhyan123]

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

[@TheRuby47]

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

[@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 😊

[@aryehisaacsaul0399]

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

[@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! 😀

[@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.

[@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.

[@yolandakirkbeck9216]

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

[@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!

[@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

[@BRTripReport]

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

[@passportaffair]

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

[@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! 💭🤞😃

[@JelmersAviation]

What an awesome video!

[@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!

[@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.🎉🎉

[@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.

[@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

[@l2etranger]

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

[@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

[@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!

[@jamessmitka8066]

The A380 was an incredible accomplishment to build. I personally think it is a whale of an airplane being that it’s so large and not very appealing to look at from the outside. The beauty of the aircraft is its insides. Etihad did a fabulous job with the interior! What a contrast, so personally I would fly an A380 from anywhere to anywhere. Thanks Jim

[@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!

[@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

[@markhopkins459]

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

[@xrayzulu1987]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@etiennenobel5028]

Amazing!

[@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.

[@farrukhismail]

Smooth landing 👍🏼

[@deborahadams5438]

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

[@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).

[@MattNav]

Love the A380! Flown it on many different routes on different airlines: Qantas from LAX to MEL, BA from LHR to LAX, Qatar from DOH to MEL and SYD to DOH, Emirates from DXB to CAI and Air France was my first A380 back in 2015 from LAX to CDG. It's always been one of my favourites and I hope to fly it again on carriers like Etihad and others someday

[@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.

[@bill1806]

A380. Great review !!!!! 😊

[@grahambuckle510]

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

[@AidanM94x]

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

[@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.

[@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!!

[@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.

[@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..

[@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!

[@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

[@_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.

[@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

[@jon4]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@Oliver-nh3ph]

A380. I flew the Airbus A380 5 times in the last two years, from Hamburg to Mauritius via Dubai and back and from London to Miami. I enjoyed every single flight with the A380 and always was impressed by how this plane could actually take off. Also I spottet the Etihad A380 flying back from London to Abu Dhabi in terminal 5 LHR because i was flzing back from my vacation.

[@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.

[@hugofore5424]

Glad that the A380 is back !

[@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!

[@nicopro3956]

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

[@jeffnesbitt1168]

Still have to fly on the A380. Love your content Gabriel…you have the best job!

[@starfish370]

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

[@Flightradar24DotCom]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@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

[@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.

[@beachdays2024]

I have never flown on the A380 but I want to. If I could I would love to fly that North Pole Route that you shared with us on a previous video. Congratulations to Etihad for the return of their A380’s. Thank you for sharing this inaugural flight with us. Safe travels.

[@newblackdog7827]

I love ❤️ A380’s! I’ve flown with Etihad and Emirates

[@gxgem1971]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@chrishosford5445]

Love the A380. Flew it a couple of times, once from Seoul to LAX, another time from LAX to Heathrow

[@johnlester5352]

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

[@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! ✈️

[@derschwabinger]

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

[@mkkm945]

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

[@ScottishT]

Great video Gabe.

[@Flightradar24DotCom]

Thank you!

[@e99n93]

Yea the A380 is like one of my favourite and it makes fun to fly it again and again - keep up with the good videos i love it :) 😀

[@JoelHaasnoot]

Hope to one day fly the A380 - love these videos

[@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!

[@philipcollura2669]

Well presented, thank you. My air travel pretty much precludes ever flying on a A380 - but one can dream! Living just a few miles from JFK I regularly see them arriving and departing.

[@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.