Etihad arrivals

The Etihad engineering base at Abu Dhabi was chosen for the spectacular arrival of the airline’s first A380 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner on 18 December. 

The airline also showed its new uniforms with an outstanding display by staff, to the untrained eye as good as a professional fashion show.

By its sheer size the Airbus A380 stole the show, in fact a four-class plane, with ‘The Residence by Etihad’, two private suites, an upgrade on First Class.  According to the airline’s President this is selling well on the Heathrow – Abu Dhabi sector, at £12,800 each way per suite, ideal for that special occasion, or for persons wanting complete privacy.  A butler and a chef is part of the package.

There are nine ‘First Apartments’ with a separate bed and couch.  The ‘Business Studio’ is also replicated on the 787 and is an upgrade of the 777 (see  Flying at the Front End  in this issue), with an 18” screen and 80” flatbed.  In Economy with both aircraft Etihad has introduced the ‘Smart Seat’ a clever design with a “fixed wing” headrest.

With the Dreamliner Etihad has on order 41 787-9s and 30 787-10s.  The Dash 9 carries up to 280 passengers whilst the still being developed Dash 10 has a capacity of 323.   www.etihad.com

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