Etihad unveils 3-room suites in the sky

Etihad Airways has unveiled a three-room ‘Residence’, which will be fitted on its new A380 aircraft, accompanied with a Savoy-trained private butler.

With prices starting from $20,000 (Dh73,460) one-way between Dubai and London, the 125-square foot luxury concept will feature a living room, a double bedroom, an ensuite shower and a vanity area.

Comparing the new accommodation akin to private jet travel comfort, Etihad CEO James Hogan unveiled the concept that will be fitted into 10 of the carrier’s A380 aircraft, which come into service from December 2014 on select routes, which also includes Paris, New York, Sydney and Melbourne.

Also configured into this new aircraft will be nine first class ‘apartments’ that will combine a living space and a bedroom; six of these apartments will be interconnected to form into a double bedroom.

Meanwhile, Etihad’s new Boeing 787 Dreamliners will feature eight ‘First Suites’ that will feature a curved aisle and suite wall. The carrier will also launch its revamped Business Studios and the Economy Smart Seats across both the A380 and the B787, with the airfares to this new segment “priced similar to the current structure of fares offered,” said Hogan.

Luxury

Speaking at the media event, Hogan revealed details of the new model, saying: “The Residences is a concept that you would usually find on a private jet or a super yacht.

“This 125-square feet of space will be available for single or double occupancy, fully equipped with amenities, Poltrona Frau leather seating that you would find in the interiors of a Ferrari, custom designed carpets and an ensuite shower that comes with a vanity unit.”

He continued: “Those booking the residence will have a VIP concierge assigned to them that will handle the entire planning for them to ensure a tailored service to fulfil their needs.”

Aimed at the clientele that flies with private charter, the chief executive said the airline has been working on this concept for the past five years and would also look at the opportunity to increase its market base by up-selling the concept to first class passengers.

When quizzed about the fare structure, Hogan said: “The Residence will start at $20,000 one-way between Dubai-London, with fares determined by the route travelled.”

“If you look at the cost, we are a fraction of what a private jet charter would cost, which can range between $100,000-150,000 (Dh367,300-Dh550,950), with the same amount of luxury, if not better.”

Hogan also unveiled the nine first class apartments, which will also be introduced into the A380s, offering a 74 per cent increase in space from the current first class configuration.

Located on the upper deck, the apartments have been configured along a single aisle, which come fitted with a 30.3-inch reclining lounge chair and a facing ottoman that extended into an 80.5-inch fully flat bed.

Aside from the shower room, a central lobby will feature a lounge area that Hogan said, can be cordoned off for a private conference when need be.

Meanwhile, the Dreamliner will also feature first suites that will open up to 80.5-inch fully flat beds.

Etihad will also introduce the new Business Studios across the A380 and the Dreamliner, adding 20 per cent more space to its current configuration.

Also being introduced is the economy smart saver seating that will include 419 seats on the A380 and 199 on the B787, with the introduction of amenities such as the adjustable lumbar support at the headrest for comfort purposes.

Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.