• Thursday, December 05, 2024
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Business class: Etihad Airways takes guests to comfort

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You probably must have been used to the sitting configuration of many international airlines’ business class if you are a frequent traveller, and then savour the experience you‘d never forget.

The experience continues as airlines try to outshine one another to gain more market share at the expense of high-paying travellers

That is what competition to get more customers can do; that is, putting the airlines on their toes anyway.

The Pearl Business Class of Etihad Airways is one favourite options right now, providing privacy when you need it and the ability to travel and talk with a partner if you desire. Etihad Airways award-winning Pearl Business Class is available on its A330-200 aircraft that flies daily between Abu Dhabi and Lagos.

The A330-200 aircraft sits a total of 262 guests and is configured to carry 22 guests in Pearl Business Class and 240 guests in Coral Economy Class.

The cabin seat provides a luxurious Poltrona Frau 6ft 1-inch, fully flat bed seat which features an 82-inch seat pitch with reclining function, adjustable headrest, footrest and lumbar support. Along with a privacy shell, the seat’s 1-2-1 configuration provides all guests with direct aisle access.

The Pearl Business Class flat-bed seats include noise-cancelling headsets and more than 650 hours of on-demand entertainment provided via individual 15-inch screens. With Etihad Airways’ in-flight E-Box system, guests can choose from a wide selection of movies and interactive games.

All seats also feature in-seat power sockets compatible with most major plug types and USB, Ethernet and audio jack sockets, providing increased connectivity options. Mood lighting and an in-seat massager are also available to enhance the guest’s experience and ease jet lag.

In the Pearl Business Class, the airline’s ‘Inspired Dining’ concept ensures the service is stylish, under-stated and attentive.

According to the airline’s management, guests can select from our extensive five-star ‘à la carte’ or ‘Kitchen Anytime’ menus, prepared by award-winning chefs – and an onboard food and beverage manager, hired from leading establishments worldwide, is exclusively dedicated to assisting our guests in selecting the right dish, and the perfect accompaniment to suit their mood.

To keep things fresh, new menus are introduced every two months to ensure that our regular passengers are provided with tasty alternative options on a regular basis. Each in-flight menu is tailored to the route, and typically includes at least one dish inspired by the destination, one “Taste of Arabia” dish, one vegetarian dish and one Western option.

As part of its commitment to raise the service benchmark, a number of additional enhancements have recently been introduced, including: new signature bread on board, inspired by Etihad Airways’ own in-flight chefs’ recipes, including Kraftkorn mushroom filled breads, cranberry breakfast breads and all new ‘country-style’ rustic breads; a sooner start of culinary service once airborne; introduction of a defined second meal service 90 minutes before landing on longhaul and ultra-longhaul routes and selection of international cheeses served on ceramic cheese boards; ew meal services, which allow guests to maximise their sleep, including early morning ‘ à la minute’ and light breakfasts, and evening ‘Express Supper’ and light meals.

The cabin crew offer guests a range of designer and natural skin-care products from Korres, which includes Shea butter lip balm and basil lemon hand and body lotion, a dental kit, a care kit, ear plugs and pens.

“Our Pearl Business Class lavatories are also stocked with Korres basil lemon hand and body lotion and facial mist, allowing guests to freshen up during their flight. In addition, our new custom-made comforters are smartly packed together with socks and eyeshades to ensure our guest’s in-flight comfort is assured,” the airline says.

Etihad Airways provides its complimentary Etihad Chauffeur limousine service that creates a unique door-to-door experience for Pearl Business Class guests, with personal chauffeurs available at 28 Etihad destinations in 16 countries.

It has also made significant investments in providing its premium passengers with lounge facilities at major destinations across its fast growing global network.

The beautifully-appointed lounges feature a whole range of exclusive services that allow passengers to relax in style before their flight. These include soothing relaxation spaces, elegant fine dining areas, state-of-the-art business amenities, luxurious bathrooms with invigorating shower facilities, and family entertainment areas.

In addition to its signature First and Business Class lounges in Abu Dhabi, the airline has also established premium lounges in Dublin, Frankfurt, London, Manchester and Paris. Additionally, new state-of-the-art luxury lounges are planned for New York, Sydney and Melbourne.

From the moment of booking, Etihad Airways says it is committed to providing its guests with a remarkable travel experience on the ground and in the air.

Etihad Airways represents modern Arabia and its home, Abu Dhabi, while also drawing inspiration from the very best in five-star boutique hospitality from around the world. Guests travel in state-of-the-art seating designed for maximum comfort, use the latest in-flight entertainment systems and experience fine dining and impeccable service.

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