Etihad Airways announced the airline’s new Airbus A380 service takes flight beginning December 1, 2015 for guests traveling between New York’s John F. Kennedy (JFK) International Airport and the airline’s Abu Dhabi home. The A380 features The Residence by Etihad™, the airline’s ultra-luxurious and private three-room suite in the sky, a first in commercial aviation.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ President and Chief Executive Officer, said: “The United States is a strategically important part of Etihad Airways’ growing global network and as a result of increased demand from our guests traveling between New York and Abu Dhabi — and onto the world, we are pleased to upgrade one of our two daily flights to an A380.

“At Etihad Airways, we are committed to offering unmatched luxury, comfort and convenience for our guests traveling with us across every class of service. New York marks the first U.S. destination where we will introduce our industry-leading A380 aircraft products and experience.”

Etihad Airways will continue to offer double daily service between New York’s JFK Airport and Abu Dhabi. The addition of the A380 will allow Etihad Airways to match capacity with increased demand. In 2014 alone, Etihad Airways’ Business and Economy Class load factors exceeded 80% on the popular route. The two daily flights offer guests traveling from New York access to 709 weekly connections to 34 markets across the Gulf, Middle East, Indian subcontinent, Africa and South East Asia. With equity partner Jet Airways, Etihad Airways serves 15 unique destinations in India from Abu Dhabi.