Thursday, May 7, 2009

Etihad reveal jaw-dropping first class suites

Each of Etihad Airways new first class cabin suites have a sliding door, personal wardrobe, mini bar and 23” wide-screen LCD television, the airline revealed at this week’s Arabian Travel Market (ATM)

Costing the carrier US $70 million (Dh 257 million), the revamp of the first class cabin is impressive to say the least and comprises of 12 individual suites each with its own extra-large seat that extends to a fully-flat bed.

Moreover, the seat has a built-in massager, lumbar support, adjustable headrest and power sockets for electronic devices whilst the interiors are upholstered with leather.

There is also a changing room with a full length mirror and an extra large wood finished table for meals to be served on. It can even be lowered to provide dining space for up to four people.

“A downturn is exactly the time when an airline needs to demonstrate its commitment to the very highest standards of service excellence” said chief executive James Hogan.

“The economic turbulence that the aviation industry is currently experiencing will give way to calmer times, and when it does our investment and product innovation will ensure that we have not simply remained competitive, but that we are the market leader”

“With this in mind, we feel the time is right for us to raise the bar and we believe that our new first class cabin, together with the enhancements we have already made to our first class service, re-establishes our position as market leader in terms of luxury air travel.”

The first Etihad aircraft with the new first class cabin will be a new Airbus A340-600 which is scheduled to enter service at the end of August this year.
Total refurbishment of all first class cabins in the Etihad fleet is expected to be completed by the end of 2010.

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