Etihad Airways has revealed its latest work into enhancing the passenger experience, which will benefit every class of passenger, across the entire long-haul fleet.
First class
For the first class items, the airline has taken inspiration from the world’s finest hotels, with service now including a personalized welcome letter from the cabin service manager and an elegant silver-tray reception service with a welcome drink, fragrant hot towel and traditional Arabic dates.
Those dining will enjoy elegant new chinaware created by Japanese fine bone china producer Nikko, and designer ‘Royal Oak’ cutlery by British brand Studio William. Fine wines from Etihad Airways’ onboard cellar will be served in red and white wine stemmed crystal glasses created for the airline by Lucaris.
Of course, there will also be a new contemporary menu design to complement the service items, including an enhanced selection of canapés, a pre-dessert course served by the chef, a ‘Café Gourmand’ coffee and tea course accompanied by mini cookies, cakes and pastries, and a signature XO Cognac served in new cognac glasses by Norman of Copenhagen.
The cabin dressing has also been refreshed and each suite will include a luxurious throw and cushion which reflect the color palette of the new interiors being introduced by the airline, beginning with the Airbus A380 and Boeing 787-9 aircraft. The first class turn-down service will be accompanied by a ‘Sweet Dreams’ card, an accompaniment to the all-natural bed linen, pillow mist and pulse point oil.
Business class
In business, a new turndown service is offered on ultra-longhaul flights, featuring a mattress, cotton loungewear and slippers. A plush comforter and full-size pillow are also provided.
The popular ‘Dine Anytime’ option remains, with an ‘All Day’ menu now offered on longer flights. A contemporary new range of dining ware features signature pieces including a stylized steel bread basket, salt and pepper shakers, and a hammered metal side dish, all inspired by the airline’s Facets of Abu Dhabi corporate branding. Stylish new trays, chinaware, cutlery and tall, stemmed wine glasses add a sense of sophistication and flair.
Economy class
With a focus on more choice and personal space, economy class has been refreshed with new cabin interiors, and new colorful headrest covers, pillowcases and fleece blankets. The menu cards, tableware and meal trays have also been reworked.
On long-haul night flights and all ultra-longhaul flights, a pillow has been developed which can be converted from a standard pillow to a neck pillow, providing neck support and improved comfort. A cotton drawstring amenity kit is also provided, which includes a reversible eye-mask with ‘Do not disturb’ printed on one side, and ‘Wake me for Meals’ on the other. A convenient blanket bag which doubles up as a ‘cabin tidy bag’ will be placed at each seat in economy class, reducing clutter around the seat and which can also be used as a shoe bag or to store personal effects.
