United Arab Emirates (UAE) national carrier Etihad Airways has announced that its new Airbus A380 will begin service between Abu Dhabi and New York’s John F. Kennedy (JFK) International Airport.

At leading travel trade show, ITB in Berlin, Etihad revealed that the new A380 aircraft will begin flying to New York from December 1, 2015. Etihad’s A380 features ‘The Residence’ – the airline’s ultra-luxurious and private three room suite in the sky.

The airline will continue to offer double daily service between JFK and Abu Dhabi, and the Airbus A380 will operate one of the frequencies per day, but will allow Etihad to match capacity with increased demand.

The aircraft will operate on the 02:55am out of Abu Dhabi, arriving into New York at 08:40am, with the return journey departing from JFK at 15:00pm, arriving into Abu Dhabi at 12:30pm (+1 day). The airline’s Boeing 777-800Er will operate the second daily service, departing Abu Dhabi at 10:20am, arriving into New York at 16:05pm. The return journey will depart JFK at 21:55pm, and arrive into Abu Dhabi at 19:25pm (+1 day).

The two daily flights offer guests travelling from New York access to 709 weekly connections to 34 markets across the Gulf, Middle East, Indian subcontinent, Africa and South East Asia.

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.”

Etihad’s A380 is also the only aircraft to feature nine First Apartments, which offer a private living space, with leather lounge chairs, direct aisle access and a fully flat bed.

"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,” added James Hogan.

Etihad Airways’ first A380 entered into service in December between Abu Dhabi and London’s Heathrow Airport, and is set to operate services between Sydney and Abu Dhabi from June 1, 2015. The airline will also take delivery of four new A380s this year.