When the new Etihad A380 was announced, the aviation world was turned upside down. Instead of cutting costs, Etihad had gone all the way, and created two new innovative products: Etihad Apartment & Etihad Residence, the world’s only contemporary living space in the air, drawing from its pioneering spirit and traditions of hospitality.
Home away from home
The Residence, located at the front of the upper deck of the A380 (Etihad has 10 first-class seats ‘First Class Apartments’, and then they have The Residence at the front left of the cabin) is as exclusive as it gets, and is the world’s first and only totally private luxury three-room suite on a commercial aircraft. Set over 125 sq ft, The Residence offers a lounge, a bathroom with a shower and a separate bedroom. The private double bedroom features a bedside table, two personal storage drawers and a full-length wardrobe, and is certified for two guests — a completely unique travel experience, akin to private jet travel, but on a commercial airliner.
The living room features plush Poltrona Frau leather seats with an electrically operated ottoman, two dining tables, chilled minibar and a 32-inch flat screen TV with Bose noise-cancelling headphones. A private corridor leads to the bathroom, which is equipped with exclusive toiletries and bathrobes, and also to a bedroom which is furnished with a natural fibre mattress double bed, Egyptian cotton sheets and bedding by Pratesi, and luxurious pillows and duvets.
A 27” LCD monitor is installed for guest viewing pleasure in the bedroom. Guests are contacted prior to travel to discuss their in-flight dining and menus are tailored around their dietary requirements and preferences.
A gourmet à la carte menu is offered and the onboard chef is available to create special made-to-order dishes from a larder of fresh ingredients. What is more, meals are served on bespoke 24-karat gold plated porcelain tableware.
At your service
To make for a unique and memorable flying experience, a personal butler is appointed to provide a level of service and discretion that is normally reserved for the world’s finest hotels and stately homes. Etihad Airways operates a fleet equipped with full in-flight connectivity, allowing the butler to constantly communicate with the dedicated Etihad Lifestyle Concierge team and to deliver a highly personalised experience, providing access to a range of services including dining reservations, entertainment bookings, special events, destination information and lifestyle services.
Travellers from India can experience the luxurious Etihad Airways A380 onwards Abu Dhabi, to popular destinations including New York, London, Paris, Sydney and Seoul.
The cost of a ticket is Rs 2.83 million and includes luxury chauffeured transport to and from the airport, private check-in, access to a private lounge and a personal travel concierge.
