In a quest to offer the most select and exclusive service, Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates has unveiled its latest project: The Residence, the first, most luxurious and private in-flight suite. The Residence comes with its own personal butler, trained at the London Savoy Butler Academy, which is part of the legendary Savoy hotel. A travel assistant and private chef are also available to assist the passengers or prepare special meals during the flight. The most luxurious airlines.
The spectacular suite of nearly 130 square feet— 74 percent larger than most suites available today—is located on the front top deck of the huge A380 airliner. Each unit can comfortably accommodate two passengers and consists of a private room with a large semicircular leather sofa, a bedroom with double bed, LCD TVs, a minibar and a complete bathroom that includes a dressing table with lighted mirrors and luxury brand appliances.
The airline has also improved its communication and entertainment systems with the installation of EX3 Panasonic touchscreen consoles and manual control, giving unlimited access to live TV, cellular communication and Wi-Fi.
The new cabins, which will be installed in the Airbus A380 and Boeing 787 have been developed and tested over the past five years by the expert engineers of Etihad Airways and inspired by the executive suites of the world’s best hotels. “With this luxurious service, we have raised the standards to a new level and it will be very difficult for any other airline in the world to surpass the luxury we offer,” said James Hogan, CEO of Etihad Airways. “Our Airbus A380 and Boeing 787 will offer the most modern, luxurious and comfortable cabins in the industry. The quality and style of our products are unparalleled.”
Etihad Airways was established in July 2003 and in just over 10 years has become one of the fastest growing companies in the history of commercial aviation. It has also received a number of awards that confirm its position as one of the world’s leading premium airlines, including World Airline Leader, awarded by the World Travel Awards for five consecutive years, from 2009 to 2013. Etihad Airways’ The Residence will start operating next December with a flight from Abu Dhabi to London, at a cost of $20,000 per passenger. And from 2015, the airline will release a route from Abu Dhabi to Sydney and Melbourne in Australia, with an estimated price of $40,000. ■
