New rotating airline seat
First class airline seats capable of rotating 180 degrees are being introduced by Middle East carrier Etihad Airways.
The ‘Diamond Seats’ feature on new Airbus A340-500 aircraft introduced on the Heathrow-Abu Dhabi route this week.
The seat can swivel around to allow passengers in the first class cabin to hold meetings, dine and talk to each other. The seats feature 23-inch personal LCD video screens.
Each seat is fitted with a ‘privacy shell’ with direct access to the aisles. First class passengers also have access to an in-flight alcove lounge.
The seat has a six-way movement headrest and a built-in massage facility. It reclines into a flat bed and has an adjoining mini bar and coat room.
The aircraft’s first class cabin carries 12 Diamond Seats as part of a configuration which includes 28 ‘Pearl’ business class seats and 200 in ‘Coral’ economy.
The business class seats also recline into flat beds and feature 15-inch video screens.
Heathrow is the first of Etihad’s 34 destinations to be served by the new A340, part of an $8 billion order for 29 new Airbus and Boeing aircraft.
UK & Ireland general manager Peter Dunkin said: “On board you can conduct meetings, dine with fellow guests, or relax inthe luxurious seat in total seclusion.”
Report by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
United Airlines to be the sole US airline to fly to Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City from October
Iberia adds new US, Latin America routes
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps
RX launches WTM Spotlight with an inaugural event in Saudi Arabia
What’s new on Route 66 in Arizona