Etihad Airways announces dream upgrades

Etihad Airways announces dream upgrades

Etihad Airways has just announced an enhancement to its Abu Dhabi-Singapore route with the deployment of a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

The new B787 operation will follow a major upgrade for the route on 1 June, which includes the introduction of First Class and a change in schedule timings (designed to provide better connections to the airline’s network via its Abu Dhabi hub).

Etihad Airways president and chief executive officer, James Hogan, said the new three-class aircraft and optimised flight schedule would augment the guest experience and strengthen the airline’s position in the competitive Singapore travel market.

“The new schedule timings – with evening departures in both directions – will offer guests in the United Arab Emirates and Singapore more convenient travel times and improved connectivity to 35 destinations in the GCC, Middle East, Africa and Europe.”

“Most importantly, from a guest experience perspective, the dimensions and unique features of the Dreamliner aircraft have enabled us to customise it with the most innovative and sophisticated cabins. This means, from 1 August, travellers between Abu Dhabi and Singapore will experience levels of comfort and attention to detail not enjoyed previously by today’s air traveller or offered by our competitors on the route,” Hogan added.

Etihad Airways’ new B787 interiors feature eight First Suites, 28 Business Studios and 199 Economy Smart Seats, offering superior levels of comfort, entertainment and in-flight connectivity. On-board décor and lighting is inspired by modern Arabian design.

Perks enjoyed by First Class guests include a chilled mini-bar, complete privacy and centre seats which can be joined to create a double bed.

Business Class suites offer passengers the luxury of direct aisle access and a fully flat bed.

In the Economy Class cabin, the Economy Smart Seat provides enhanced comfort with a ‘fixed wing’ headrest on each seat.

Etihad Airways’ order for two variants of the B787 (-9 and -10), is one of the world’s largest for the type, totalling 71 aircraft. The airline currently operates the B787-9 to Washington DC and Mumbai, and from 1 June, to Düsseldorf and Brisbane, with more destinations being added as it takes delivery of more of the type. The airline will also begin taking delivery of B787s in a two-class configuration from 2016.

Etihad Airways commenced three weekly flights to Singapore on 28 September, 2007 and went daily on 1 February, 2013.

Image: Etihad Airways

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