Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has recently made significant enhancements to its passenger experience. The airline has not only increased its capacity on the London route but also unveiled its luxurious lounges at the new Terminal A of Abu Dhabi International airport.
The airline has added a third daily A380 service on its London route, effective from November 1, 2023. This addition means that three out of four daily flights between Abu Dhabi and Heathrow are now operated by the superjumbo, offering a total of 1,726 seats per day. The A380s were reintroduced into service in December 2022, and the Abu Dhabi-Heathrow route saw their return in July 2023. The superjumbos are equipped with 337 Economy Smart seats, 68 Economy Space seats, 70 Business Studios, nine First Apartments, and The Residence – a two-guest suite featuring a private living room, bedroom, and ensuite bathroom.
In addition to the increased capacity, Etihad has also unveiled its business and first-class lounges at the new Terminal A of Abu Dhabi International airport. The lounges, which opened at the start of November 2023, span three floors on the north side of the terminal between Piers C and D. They offer direct lounge boarding for selected flights through three gates.
The business class lounge is a haven of culinary delights, featuring an all-day dining restaurant, Liwan Global Dining, with live cooking stations and a variety of cuisines. The lounge also includes several snack and drinks stations, a Games Room, Relaxation Rooms with day beds and Armani Casa furnishings, and a smoking lounge.
The first-class lounge, on the other hand, offers à la carte dining and a fine selection of boutique wines. It also features The Parlour for pastries, desserts, and a signature tea experience. Complimentary Private Suites are available for those flying in The Residence, and can also be booked by other first-class guests.
The top floor of the complex houses the Roof Lounge, featuring a Constellation Bar with a 25-metre-long glass lighting sculpture depicting the Abu Dhabi city skyline. Business class guests can dine here at select periods, while first-class guests benefit from a private lift to the space.
These enhancements by Etihad Airways are a testament to the airline's commitment to providing a superior travel experience for its passengers. Whether it's the increased capacity on the London route or the luxurious lounges at Abu Dhabi International airport, Etihad is setting new standards in air travel.