Etihad Airways will operate an A380 to Melbourne from June 1 next year.
The superjumbo will be deployed on flights EY460/EY461, one of the Gulf carrier's twice-daily services between Abu Dhabi and Melbourne.
This will replace one of the three-class B777-300ERs currently serving the route.
Flight times will remain unchanged, with EY460 departing Abu Dhabi at 2145 and arriving in Melbourne at 1720 the next day. Return flight sees EY461 take-off from Melbourne at 2240 and land in Abu Dhabi at 0645 the next day.
Packing 496 seats in total, Etihad's A380 features a four-class configuration, consisting of nine first class apartments, 70 seats in business, 415 seats in economy and The Residence, a luxurious three-room suite, which includes a living room, separate ensuite shower, double bedroom and a dedicated Savoy-trained butler.
James Hogan, Etihad president and chief executive, said: "Melbourne is an important point on our global network, and our Abu Dhabi to Melbourne services continue to generate very high seat load factors on a year round basis.
"After just three months of operations, demand for our second daily service is already exceeding our expectations."
Two months ago, Emirates announced it will roster a second A380 to Melbourne from March (see news, August 12).
Clement Huang
