Three of Etihad’s four daily Heathrow-Abu Dhabi frequencies are now operated by A380s after the gulf carrier reintroduced a third on Wednesday (1 November). It comes after Etihad restored the "superjumbo" to UK skies back in late July.

The additional aircraft will operate Etihad’s fourth daily Heathrow frequency (EY 18), which departs LHR at 8.55pm, arriving in Abu Dhabi at 7.55am the following morning. Return services will depart Abu Dhabi at 2.05pm, arriving in London at 6.10pm.

“The aircraft adds increased capacity between Abu Dhabi and Heathrow and is ideally timed to further connect people between the UK, the UAE and onwards across Etihad’s growing global network,” said Etihad vice-president of global sales, Ed Fotheringham. 

The A380 features 68 economy space seats and 337 economy smart spaces, as well as 70 business studios and nine first apartments. It also features The Residence – a three-room suite with shower for two costing an additional $2,500 per person (£2,061) on top of a first-class fare.