Etihad sells exclusive 'Residence' suite for first A380 flight

Middle Eastern carrier Etihad Airways has sold the exclusive apartment-style first-class suite for its initial Airbus A380 flight.

Chief executive James Hogan confirmed the sale as he defended the decision to include the single three-room suite – branded ‘Residence’ – as part of the A380’s interior.

While the cost of the fare is comparable to that of hiring a private jet, Hogan says the company believes there is “a segment” of customers who would prefer the option of taking the A380, particularly within the strong traffic flows such as routes to New York.

Etihad Cancels Seven Airbus A350-1000s

The Gulf carrier reduced its Airbus A350 order, cancelling aircraft worth $2.3 billion at current list prices.

European planemaker Airbus suffered a fresh setback to its largest twin-engined jet development, the A350-1000, when it emerged that Gulf carrier Etihad had cancelled seven aircraft worth $2.3 billion at current list prices.