Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways has just resumed crew training on its Airbus A380, showing positive signs that the superjumbo is back in the sky. Like many airlines around the world, Etihad suspended flights with this model after the outbreak of the pandemic in 2020, when the number of passengers fell and the UAE closed its borders.
Last April, the airline announced it was suspending its entire A380 fleet indefinitely to prioritize operations with the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Airbus A350-1000, which are considered more sustainable and cost-effective models.
As a result, 10 A380s were sent for long-term storage to special bases in France and Spain, where they were supposed to be on a permanent basis, then-CEO Tony Douglas said. came to warn that cannot be reactivated due to their high cost of ownership and the operator’s commitment to protecting the environment.
However, due to rising demand for passenger travel worldwide, the airline plans to bring back some of the giants very soon, according to a tweet from aviation expert Zulkarnain. In the post (below), he says that Etihad has just started training the A380 crew. He reveals that the comeback will take place next year and that the date will be confirmed soon.
ETIHAD A380
We have just been informed that crew training has resumed.
The A380 will return next year. Date to be confirmed **Soon** #aviation #AvGeek
— M Zulqarnain B (@MZulqarnainBut1) November 29, 2022
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