Etihad closes year with landmark double delivery

Etihad Airways has ended 2014 on a high, by unveiling its first Airbus A380 and Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft in Abu Dhabi.

The doors to the airline’s two new flagship aircraft, adorned with its brand new livery, were opened for the first time to reveal the new cabin interiors, which include the ultra-luxurious ‘Residence by Etihad’, the world’s first only three-room in-flight suite.

“Today is the culmination of many years of hard work and tremendous endeavour by hundreds of people both in our airline and outside,” said James Hogan, Etihad’s president & chief executive officer.

“With the launch of these aircraft, we usher in a new era of unparalleled luxury, comfort and service. These innovations represent our vision for the future.”

Following the unveiling, the A380 will be launched on the daily Abu Dhabi-London Heathrow route on 27 December 2014, while the Dreamliner will start flying to Dusseldorf on 1 February 2015.

Etihad will launch the A380 on 27 December 2014
Etihad will launch the A380 on 27 December 2014
Onboard the A380, Etihad passengers will have the option of the new 12m² Residence, which features a living room, shower room and bedroom, and First Apartment, which comes complete with a reclining lounge chair and fully-flat bed.

The Dreamliner meanwhile, will feature the First Suite, including a flat-bed and minibar. The centre seats can also be joined to create a double bed.

In total, the A380 will seat 498 passengers, including 11 in first class, 70 in business class and 417 in economy, while the B787 will offer 235 seats, including eight in first class, 28 in business class and 199 in economy.

Etihad will take delivery of four more A380s and three B787-9s in 2015.

sourced:traveldailymedia.com