Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has completely redesigned the future of air travel for first, business, and economy classes. These new designs will be featured on their Airbus A380 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, which are expected to be delivered later this year.
Five years in development, the airline’s design goal was to bring the personalized and exclusive experience of a luxury boutique hotel to air travel. This is achieved through embracing Arabian Modernism, an aesthetic that blends regional traditions with contemporary design.
First Apartments
The First Apartment, available on the airline’s A380 fleet, offers a complete living space with a reclining lounge chair and an ottoman that converts into a separate 80.5-inch fully-flat bed. Each First Apartment encompasses 39 square feet, a 74% increase compared to Etihad Airways’ previous First Class suite.
On Etihad Airways’ B787, the First Suite offers guests an enhanced experience with a chilled mini-bar, complete privacy, and center seats that can be combined to create a double bed.
Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways’ Chief Commercial Officer, stated, “The final product surpasses anything currently available in the market and aligns more closely with what’s offered by the world’s top five-star hotels, as guests onboard our A380 and B787 will soon discover."
Nine First Apartments will be situated on the upper deck of Etihad Airways’ A380s. Six of these apartments feature connecting doors, allowing for the creation of larger apartments for guests traveling together. This configuration, a first for the industry, places the First Apartments along a single aisle. Each apartment includes a 30.3-inch reclining lounge chair and a separate full-length ottoman that unfolds into an 80.5-inch long and 26-inch wide fully flat bed.
In addition, the First Apartment features a chilled mini-bar, a personal wardrobe, and a separate vanity unit complete with illuminated makeup mirrors and stocked with luxury branded amenities. It also boasts a private shower room.
The Etihad Airways B787 will feature eight First Suites in a 1-2-1 configuration. The B787 First Suite boasts a 26-inch wide Poltrona Frau seat that converts into a comfortable 80.5-inch long fully-flat bed.
Similar to the First Apartments on the A380, the First Suites on the B787 will offer a chilled mini-bar and feature luxurious Poltrona Frau leather upholstery.
Elevating the in-flight dining experience, First Class Chefs will provide a five-star restaurant-quality service. Guests can request dishes tailored to their individual preferences and tastes.
Click here and here to watch a video showcasing the new first-class cabins.
Business Studio
The airline will introduce its new Business Studio on both the Airbus A380 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, providing a level of luxury typically associated with first-class travel.
The A380’s upper deck will house a total of 70 Business Studios, while the B787 will feature 28 Business Studios. Each studio offers aisle access and a fully flat bed extending up to 80.5 inches in length.
“We are confident that this new product will satisfy the diverse needs and exceed the expectations of today’s business traveler, who will experience the Business Studio onboard our new A380 and B787,” said Baumgartner.
The Business Studios are arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration, ensuring direct aisle access for all passengers. They also mark the airline’s first use of a dovetail (forward and aft) layout, maximizing cabin space utilization. Each suite boasts a 22-inch wide seat and a separate ottoman that combine to create a fully-flat bed up to 80.5 inches long.
The center Business Studios are ideal for those traveling together. However, they also offer complete privacy for solo travelers with full-height screens separating the suites. Ample storage space is provided within the Business Studio, including room under the ottoman for carry-on items and shoes. Additionally, a large top-loading cupboard accommodates water bottles, headsets, reading materials, and other belongings. Each Studio features a spacious side furniture surface suitable for laptops, tablets, and books. A variety of lighting options, including a side lamp, reading light, and mood lighting, provide flexibility for passenger comfort.
The A380 will be equipped with Etihad Airways’ full mobile and Wi-Fly connectivity, while the B787 will offer Wi-Fly.
The Lobby for First and Business
Source: Etihad. The Lobby.
On the A380, guests traveling in First and Business Class can unwind in The Lobby, a serviced lounge and bar area situated between the First and Business cabins.
Designed for relaxation and socializing, The Lobby features semi-circular leather sofas, a marquetry table, and a large TV screen.
The Lobby TV is equipped with an HDMI connection, enabling content sharing. Passengers can also enjoy the airline’s Live TV channels, including sporting and other events.
Click here and here to view a video showcasing the new Business cabins.
Economy Smart Seat
In economy class, the airline will introduce its new Economy Smart Seat, featuring a ‘fixed wing’ headrest designed for enhanced comfort and relaxation.
Upholstered in locally sourced camel leather, the fixed-wing headrest provides a stable surface for passengers to rest their heads. It also offers additional privacy between seats.
Baumgartner remarked: “Etihad Airways has always recognized the significance of delivering a travel experience that stands apart. We have dedicated the past five years to developing an Economy Class product that will be appreciated by millions worldwide.”
Etihad Airways is implementing Panasonic’s state-of-the-art eX3 in-flight entertainment system across both fleets. This system offers over 750 hours of on-demand entertainment, enhanced gaming options, and high-definition screens across all cabins.
The system features touchscreen handsets that function as a second screen, allowing passengers to enjoy additional content while watching a movie. Noise-canceling headsets are provided in all cabins.
Throughout its entire fleet, Etihad Airways will continue to offer a choice of three main courses in economy class, along with a café service featuring hot chocolate and cappuccino.
Click here and here to watch videos highlighting the new economy class cabins.