The UAE's flag carrier Etihad Airways has started flying its Airbus A380 aircraft, the world's biggest passenger airliner, to Mumbai with the launch of a new daily service.
Flight EY204 from Abu Dhabi landed at Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai on Sunday on the occasion of Maharashtra Day, the 56th anniversary of the state's formation.
Mumbai became the UAE's second-largest airline's fourth A380 destination following London, Sydney and New York, with Melbourne set to join on June 1.
Etihad Airways senior management team led by Mohammed Al Bulooki, Vice President Commercial UAE, flew on the inaugural flight, arriving to a traditional lamp lighting ceremony attended by officials from the airline and Mumbai airport operator, GVK. The airline did not provide information as to how many passengers travelled from Abu Dhabi to Mumbai on the inaugural flight.
The A380 is a double-deck, wide-body, four-engine jet airliner manufactured by Airbus. It is the world's largest passenger airliner with the seating capacity of 853 passengers.
The choice of Maharashtra Day to launch the world's largest passenger jet to India reinforced the airline's commitment to the country; to meet an increase in demand for air services; and to support growing trade and tourism in India, company officials said.
With the aircraft upgrade, Etihad Airways is able to offer an all-A380 daily service in both directions between Mumbai and New York John F Kennedy International airport with a seamless connection over Abu Dhabi, along with the unique USA customs border protection which enables passengers to pre- clear US customs in Abu Dhabi, they said.
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