Etihad’s Airbus A380 With ‘The Residence’ Now Flies to Tokyo

Updated: June 18, 2026, 7:56am CDT

Edited by:

Jump to Section

Table of Contents

Etihad Flies Its A380 to Tokyo for the First Time
How To Book Etihad’s Residence
Final Thoughts

We may be compensated when you click on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

At just before 1:30 p.m. on June 18, an Etihad Airbus A380 touched down in Tokyo for the first time.

The arrival is a win for the region, as the superjumbo features a unique way to experience commercial luxury aviation: The Residence.

Let’s take a look at the details.

Etihad Flies Its A380 to Tokyo for the First Time

For a time during the pandemic era, it looked like the end of the runway for the Airbus A380. However, the aircraft made a slow comeback into some airlines’ fleets — Etihad being one of them.

With 8 of its 9 A380s now back in operation, Etihad was able to expand the list of cities it serves from its Abu Dhabi (AUH) hub. Tokyo Narita (NRT) joins London Heathrow (LHR), Paris (CDG), Singapore (SIN), and Toronto (YYZ) as the jet’s fifth destination.

New York’s JFK used to welcome the A380, but it got replaced by Toronto, which is now the only destination it flies to in North America.

The 3-room Residence, 9 private first class Apartments, and 70 lie-flat business class seats make the A380 the most premium aircraft in Etihad’s fleet. As such, it prioritizes routes that can maximize the profit potential of this special plane.

How To Book Etihad’s Residence

Enjoying a bucket-list flight in The Residence doesn’t break the bank like it used to. Pre-pandemic, you were looking at upwards of $25,000 for a one-way ticket.

Now, a ticket for the 125-square-foot space (that’s almost as big as my Tokyo hotel room), can be booked as an upgrade from a first class ticket.

Etihads The Residence Living Room — Alex Miller, CEO and Founder of Upgraded Points, maximizing everything that The Residence has to offer! Image Credit: Upgraded Points

It’s also only possible to upgrade when your first class ticket is booked with cash directly via Etihad’s website or via the airline’s Etihad Guest loyalty program. Upgrades aren’t eligible when redeeming miles from another program, such as American’s AAdvantage.

Depending on the route, typical upgrade prices are between $1,500 and $3,500 dollars one-way.

Alternatively, you could use Etihad Guest miles. If you consider this option, check out our points valuations guide to make sure you’re happy with the value you’re getting for your miles.

Final Thoughts

When Etihad decides to fly its A380 to your airport, it’s a cause for celebration. There’s no other plane in the world like it. It would be great if Etihad could find space in the A380’s schedule to add New York back to its list of destinations.