Etihad launches interior makeover
It was technology meets luxury in Abu Dhabi yesterday as Etihad Airways introduced what it calls the future of air travel.
And that future looks more like a corporate jet for high rollers than a regular passenger plane.
The airline has unveiled its new interiors and its latest planes - the 498-seat Airbus A380 super jumbo and the 227-seat Boeing 787.
Etihad has ordered 10 A380s and is one of the biggest customers for the 787 with 71 on order.
The airline, which started daily services to Perth this year, will roll out the new interiors throughout is long haul fleet over the next few years.
The new interiors are opulent with soft, warm, gold tones throughout. Star of the show was The Residence, a first-class apartment on the A380, a three-room affair including a shower.
For those who haven't won Lotto but still want to indulge there are nine first-class apartments and 70 business class studios.
Economy passengers haven't been forgotten either with seats featuring a host of clever features and a big 28cm touchscreen TV.
The Residence features a living room, separate double bedroom and en-suite shower room.
And if that wasn't enough, patrons in The Residence also have a personal butler and a travel concierge team to take care of every whim, including ground transport and cuisine.
The first-class apartments are only available on the A380 and a separate shower is also available for use by regular first-class passengers.
Etihad, one of the world's fastest-growing airlines, has added a lounge, dubbed the Lobby, on the upper deck and it separates the first-class and business class suites.
On the Boeing 787, Etihad has 8 first-class suites which are an adaptation of the A380 first-class apartments. These will be fitted to its entire long haul fleet.
Geoffrey Thomas was a guest of Etihad Airways
