Etihad Airways Reveals its A380 and 787 Routes and Interiors

By Jack Harty / Published May 4, 2014

This December, Etihad Airways will fly its first Airbus A380 and Boeing 787-9 flights. Earlier today, the airline revealed its new luxury Airbus A380 interior, Boeing 787 interior, and its initial operating plans for both aircraft.

Warning: I would recommend sitting down in case you go into shock while reading about Etihad’s four living spaces on the A380!

Etihad’s Airbus A380

Etihad Airways ordered 10 Airbus A380s. It will receive one later this year, four in 2015, three in 2016, and two in 2017. The airline will fly its inaugural A380 flight on December 27, 2014 between Abu Dhabi and London.

The carrier will shift to two daily A380s flights between Abu Dhabi and London early next year, and it plans to also begin flying the A380 to New York JFK and Sydney. More routes will be added as Etihad continues to take delivery of new A380s.

Etihad’s A380s will have capacity for 498 passengers in three seating classes. However, it is not just first, business and economy. They are living spaces at 35,000 feet.

The carrier will offer one of the most unique A380 experiences. There will be two VIP suites (which can accommodate up to twp passengers in each cabin) in The Residence located at the front of the upper deck. The suites are a 125 square foot, three room, private cabin for the VIPS. It comes with a butler, a lounge room, large 32 inch LCD TV, two dining tables, a double bed, and a private shower (can only be used for a four minute shower). Plus, The Residence will cater to the individual tastes of every VIP traveler.

However, this does come with a cost. Many have reported finding fares in The Residence cabin for a little more than $20,000.

Etihad Airways will also offer First Apartments. They will have an area of 39 square feet equipped with a 30.3 inch reclining lounge chair, a separate ottoman which converts into an 80.5 inch long and 26 inch wide fully flat bed, a chilled mini-bar, a vanity with mirrors for make-up and stocked with luxury branded amenities, and a personal wardrobe. Plus, a chef will prepare a five-star meal to be served at 35,000 feet. There will also be access to an exclusive shower room, and six of the nine apartments have connecting doors.

Etihad Airways will have 70 Business class seats in a 1-2-1 configuration. They have been newly designed for the A380 and 787. They allow customers to work, play and rest. They boast a 22 inch wide seat and separate ottoman which form a lie-flat bed up to 80.5 inches long together, a sturdy 16″ x 18″ dining table, and a full height screen between the seats for privacy.

For passengers seated in First and Business, there is access to The Lobby which is a lounge and bar.

The 787 will have 416 economy seats. The seats are known as Economy Smart Seats which boast a

‘fixed wing’ headrest, a 19 inch wide seat, a 32 inch seat pitch, a 6 inch recline, in-seat

entertainment, and a pillow and blanket.

Etihad’s Boeing 787-9

Etihad Airways will inaugurate Boeing 787-9 service between Abu Dhabi and Dusseldorf this December. The following month, it will launch 787 flights to Mumbai and Washington Dulles. More routes will be added as more aircraft come on line.

The first five Boeing 787s will carry 235 passengers in three classes (8 First, 28 Business, and 199 Economy). The airline will also fly a 787 configured in a two class cabin. The two-class 787s will not have First Class suites. Instead, they will boast a larger Business Class cabin.

Etihad’s eight Boeing 787 First Class suites are in a 1-2-1 configuration. They offer a chilled mini-bar, complete privacy, a 26 inch wide lounge chair that converts to a comfortable 80.5-inch long fully-flat bed, an in-seat massage, a 23″ x 20″ dining table, and a personal wardrobe. Plus, passengers will receive five-star meals prepared by a chef to savor at 35,000 feet.

Etihad Airways will have 28 Business class seats (“Business Studios”) in a 1-2-1 configuration. They have been newly designed for the A380 and 787. They allow customers to work, play and rest. They boast a 22 inch wide seat and separate ottoman which form a lie-flat bed up to 80.5 inches long together, a sturdy 16″ x 18″ dining table, and a full height screen between the seats for privacy.

The 787 will have 199 economy seats. The seats are known as Economy Smart Seats which boast a ‘fixed wing’ headrest, a 17.2 inch wide seat, a 31-33 inch seat pitch, a 6 inch recline, in-seat entertainment, and a pillow and blanket.

The airlines popular Flying Nanny service will also be offered to passengers on long-haul flights. Plus, the airline will have prayer areas which can be curtained off.

The A380 will have a similar economy product.

As for entertainment, Etihad is offering Panasonic eX3 entertinament on both the A380 and 787. It offers more than 750 hours of on-demand entertainment in all cabins. The airline is also providing noise cancelling headsets in all cabins.

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Photos from Etihad Airways

You can contact the editor at jeremy.lindgren@airchive.com.