The main airline of the United Arab Emirates, Etihad Airways, has unveiled an ultra-luxurious suite with personal butler and gourmet food, considered the most exclusive way to travel the world, at a cost of $21.300 (approx. €15.200) on one way rides.
Called The Residence, the luxurious suite is located on the front upper deck of the giant Etihad Airbus A380, measured 125 square feet (11.6m2), it can easily accommodate two people and consists of a private room, a double bedroom, bath and a shower. The luxurious suite also comes with its own personal butler who’s attended the Academy of Butlers Savoy in London, and a chef to cook anything the occupants wish for. The new cabins-suites, which have been in development for the past five years, will be launched with the deliveries of 10 Airbus A380 and 71 Boeing 787 to Etihad Airways from this December, 2014.
During the launch event in the city of Abu Dhabi, Etihad chief executive James Hogan said that he thought that in the following three hours, their competitors would be scratching their heads and that Etihad believed that with this new luxury service, they have gotten to a new high standards and have the best service of any airline.
The cabins offered in Etihad Airways A380 and B787 are the most advanced and luxurious in the airline industry, while meeting the weight goals, the scope and cost with the number of seats desired. This will allow Etihad to offer their unparalleled products in quality and style, but at competitive prices in the three cabins, according to Hogan. The Etihad Boeing 787, on its the first class has been enhanced with features that include a mini-bar and a TV monitor of 24 inches.
The two new classes of business and economy -Business & Economy Studio Smart Seat- will be in both the A380 and B787. Those traveling in economy class will now have a place to rest with the introduction a wind-fixed head rest and as far the business class is concerned, passengers can turn their seat into a bed!
The airline is also improving its EX3 Panasonic entertainment system, giving its passengers the chance to choose from 750 hours of on-demand entertainment, improvements in video games, touch screens and headphones. It will also have USB connection to the TV so you can connect your own programs and also live channels.
The first route of the Airbus A380 will be at London Heathrow airport from December 27, 2014, followed by extra long routes to destinations including Melbourne, New York City, Paris and Sydney.