If you think you’ve sampled the best possible air travel experience, think again.
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has unveiled the new product and service offering on its Airbus A380 and Boeing B787 Dreamliner aircraft.
The Residence: The Residence, which is certified by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for single or double occupancy, offers levels of luxury and total privacy normally found only on private jets. Each Etihad Airways A380 will offer a boutique version of The Residence with different colour palettes, table marquetry and custom carpets.
Guests in The Residence have the services of a personal Butler throughout their flight. These fully trained service professionals have received specialist training at the Savoy Butler Academy in London. Passengers also have a dedicated VIP Travel Concierge team who ensures every detail of their travel experience, including ground transport, cuisine, and amenities, are tailored to their requirements.
First Apartments: Etihad Airways will redefine First Class and set a remarkable new industry standard with the launch of the First Apartment on the A380. Nine First Apartments will be installed on the upper deck in a 1-1 configuration creating the only single aisle First Class cabin in the industry.
Each First Apartment, which has a 64 inch high sliding door, includes a reclining armchair and a full-length ottoman, both upholstered by Poltrona Frau. The ottoman transforms into a separate 80 inch long fully bed. The First Apartment, which also includes unique features such as a chilled refreshments cabinet, a personal vanity unit and a swiveling flat screen TV for viewing from either the seat or the bed, has a 74 percent larger footprint than the airline’s current award-winning First Suites. A fully equipped shower room is available on the A380 for exclusive use by First Class guests.
First Suites: On the B787, Etihad Airways has designed an enhanced First Suite with many new features. The eight First Suites in a 1-2-1 configuration along a unique curved aisle, another first in commercial aviation. Each completely private First Suite has a large seat and ottoman, both upholstered by Poltrona Frau, which converts into an 80.5 inch long full-flat bed. On the centre seats, the armrests retract and the suites can be joined to create a ‘double’ bed. Other features include a chilled refreshment cabinet and a 24 inch flat screen TV.
Business Studios: On both the A380 and the B787, Etihad Airways will launch its new Business Studios which provide 20 per cent more personal space than the airline’s current business class seat. Configured 1-2-1 in a forward and aft ‘dovetail’, the Business Studios all have aisle access and the seat converts into a fully flat bed of up to 80.5 inches long. With its privacy, ample storage and surface space, the Business Studio has been designed with the diverse needs of the premium business or leisure traveller firmly in mind.
The Lobby: On the Airbus A380, First and Business Class guests can relax in The Lobby which is a serviced lounge and bar area located between the First and Business cabins, designed for relaxing and socialising.
Economy Smart Seat: This offers a unique ergonomic fixed-wing headrest, giving guests a place to rest their head for added comfort and relaxation. The seat also has a lumbar support feature, allowing guests to adjust their seat comfort, and an 11 inch flat screen TV, with all the IFE peripherals conveniently set into the seatback in front. The latest Panasonic eX3 personal entertainment system, of which Etihad Airways is a launch customer, is installed across all cabins
Prayer areas: Importantly for the airline’s Muslim guests, Etihad Airways has developed prayer areas which can be curtained off for privacy and are equipped with a real-time electronic Qibla-finder showing the exact direction of Mecca based on the aircraft’s geographical position.
