Sydney Airport welcomes second daily Etihad A380 service

• Etihad Airways to fly A380 on second daily Abu Dhabi-Sydney service from October
• Aircraft changes will add 123,000 seats per year and see 14 weekly A380 flights on the route
• Sydney Airport to be Etihad's third A380-only operation globally

Sydney Airport has welcomed Etihad Airways' announcement today that it will upgauge its second daily Abu Dhabi-Sydney service to the A380 from October this year.

Sydney Airport Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Kerrie Mather said it was a fitting announcement in this 10th year of Etihad services to Sydney.

"We're delighted that Etihad is now an all-A380 operation at Sydney Airport and look forward to the continued success of this popular route, served by a high quality aircraft that is redefining the travel experience," Ms Mather said.

"We've continued to invest in airport improvements to increase capacity in order to support these larger aircraft, and we're thrilled that Sydney Airport will finish the year as the fourth largest A380 hub in the world.

"These quieter, more sustainable next generation aircraft are delivering an enhanced passenger experience, while providing additional capacity to support aviation and tourism growth."

Etihad Airways Chief Executive Officer Peter Baumgartner said the increased capacity would meet growing demand for the service.

"Sydney is one of our busiest and best performing long-haul routes where we have experienced increased demand, particularly in our premium cabins, since the launch 10 years ago," Mr Baumgartner said.

"By introducing the A380 on the second daily flight, we are able to ensure our flagship product is on all of the Sydney services each week. The upgrade of this service will help fulfil growing demand, benefiting travellers to and from Abu Dhabi, and across Etihad Airways' global network."

The daily EY450/451 service will be upgauged from a 328-seat B777-300ER to the 496-seat A380.

Etihad began its first service to Sydney in March 2007 and has operated a daily Abu Dhabi-Sydney service on the A380 since 2015. The airline also established a dedicated first and business class lounge at the T1 International terminal in 2014 to enhance their customers' experience at Sydney Airport.

Today's announcement sees Sydney Airport join London and New York as one of Etihad's three A380-only operations.

According to Deloitte Access Economics, a daily A380 service from this region adds $342 million to the economy a year and generates 4,400 jobs. This new service means Sydney Airport will have more than 100 weekly services operating A380s by year end.