Etihad launches apartments in the sky
Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways is to install a three-room suite on the forward upper deck of its latest Airbus A380 aircraft as part of its revamped first-class product.
Featuring a living room, double bedroom and en-suite shower room, ‘The Residence’ will also have a dedicated Savoy-trained butler, said the airline.
Designed for up to two guests travelling together, it will measure 125 square feet.
Fares will cost from $20,000 one-way, but Etihad chief executive said he was confident there would be demand as the airline’s first class cabin on flights from the United Arab Emirates is full during peak periods.
In addition to the three-room Residence, the airline will have nine first class "apartments", six of which will be sold as doubles. These will all be on the upper deck, which will have a changing room and shower for first class passengers.
First class will be divided from business class on the upper deck by a lounge area or lobby on the A380, which will have 70 business class "studios".
Etihad will take delivery of the first of 10 A380s this autumn, the first of which will enter service on the London route from December.
It will also put into service its first 787s in December, on which it will offer 27 business class "studios".
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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