With Middle Eastern carriers expanding their capacity in the Australian market, Etihad Airways has announced its plan to launch flagship A380 in Melbourne from June 2016. The national airline of the United Arab Emirates would be scheduled daily between Abu Dhabi and Melbourne.

The flagship is all set to replace one of the three-class Boeing 777-300ER aircraft currently deployed on the route. It includes luxurious three-room suite named "The Residence." In addition, there would be a private suite including a lounge room, bedroom and bathroom with shower. It has also added latest generation first class, business class and economy class seats to A380 flights.

Etihad is also planning to open a lounge in Melbourne Airport. According to an Etihad spokesperson, it is due by the first quarter of next year, ahead of the arrival of the A380.

Etihad chief executive James Hogan said the A380 flights would allow for seamless connections between Melbourne and London as well. “Melbourne is an important point on our global network, and our Abu Dhabi to Melbourne services continues to generate very high seat load factors on a year round basis,” he added.

"Deploying the 496-seat A380 to Melbourne will enable us to accelerate our growth in the Victorian market by providing additional capacity, particularly in business class, where demand for seats continually outstrips supply," Hogan said in a statement while noting that their services were exceeding expectations.

Victorian Minister for Tourism John Eren praised Etihad’s decision and indicated that this move would boost Victoria’s visitor economy. “It means more visitors from all over the world will see for themselves everything we offer,” he said according to Travel daily news. “Victoria has a positive relationship with Etihad Airways and, through our partnership marketing efforts in the key markets of UK and Europe, more visitors can experience Melbourne and regional Victoria's award-winning tourism attractions and nature-based experiences," Eren added.

According to Sydney Morning Herald, apart from Melbourne, Etihad has launched this product in London, Sydney and New York. Back in 2009, Etihad had first begun flying between Melbourne and Abu Dhabi and increased to a second daily flight in August.

Etihad is a shareholder in Virgin Australia and one of the Australian carrier's two alliance partners on flights to Europe, with the other being Singapore Airlines.

Contact the writer at feedback@ibtimes.com.au, or let us know what you think below.

RELATED STORIES