Etihad Airways unveils new classes and in-flight products for A380 and 787 fleet

Etihad Airways unveiled (04-May-2014) a new product and service offering on its A380 and Boeing 787 aircraft, including The Residence by Etihad, what the carrier labels as "the world's most luxurious living space in the air, available only on the airline's A380 aircraft". With the launch of these new fleets, the Abu Dhabi-based airline will also redefine and rename its cabin classes. Details include:

• The Residence by Etihad: The Residence will be located on the new forward upper-deck cabin on the A380, covering 125sqft of space and accommodating single or double occupancy and featuring a living room, separate double bedroom and ensuite shower room. 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", according to Etihad. Each Etihad Airways A380 will offer a boutique version of The Residence and passengers will have the services of a personal Butler (trained at Savoy Butler Academy in London) throughout their flight. Guests in The Residence will also have a dedicated VIP Travel Concierge team, ensuring that all aspects of travel, including ground transport, cuisine, and amenities, are tailored to their requirements;
• First Apartments: Etihad Airways said it "will redefine First Class and set a remarkable new industry standard with the launch of the First Apartment on the A380". Etihad Airways has allocated the upper deck of the A380 to its premium cabins. 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" high sliding door, includes a reclining armchair and a full-length ottoman, both upholstered by Poltrona Frau. The ottoman transforms into a separate 80" long fully flatbed. The First Apartment, which also includes a chilled mini-bar, a personal vanity unit and a swiveling TV monitor for viewing from either the seat or the bed, has a 74% larger footprint than the airline's current First Class Suites. A fully equipped shower room is available on the A380 for exclusive use by First Class guests;
• First Suites: On the 787, Etihad Airways has designed an enhanced First Suite. The eight First Suites in a 1-2-1 configuration along a unique curved aisle. Each completely private First Suite has a large seat and ottoman, both upholstered by Poltrona Frau, which converts into an 80.5" 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 mini-bar and a 24" TV monitor.
• Business Studios: On both the A380 and the 787, Etihad Airways will launch its new Business Studios which provide 20% 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" long;
• The Lobby: On the A380, First and Business Class guests will have access to The Lobby which is a serviced lounge and bar area located between the First and Business cabins. The Lobby provides a semi-circular leather sofa, a marquetry table and a large TV screen;
• Economy Smart Seat: New Economy Smart Seat will offer fixed-wing headrest. The seat also has a lumbar support feature and an 11" personal monitor screen, 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
• Cabin Entrances: In all entry-ways in both aircraft and in all cabins, the galley equipment is concealed behind custom Arabic fretwork screens and blinds, while the trolleys are covered by wood-finish doors;
• Prayer areas: 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;
• Other furnishings: With the launch of these new aircraft, Etihad Airways will update its dining equipment, amenities and soft furnishings across its entire fleet. [more - original PR]