The recently launched Etihad Residences most definitely surpasses any concept you have so far garnered of onboard luxury. The onboard private suite not only entails a spacious bedroom with an en suite bathroom, but it also features a living room. While the commoners in cattle class are dealing with their less than one square metre space, the Residence – as they call it – occupies a generous 11.6 square metre space on the Airbus A380. Of course luxury comes with a hefty price tag and a one way trip from Abu Dhabi to London is at a staggering $20,000.
Undoubtedly the mid-air penthouse on Etihad Airways is the most luxurious flying experience ever and we tell you what you can expect!
#10 Finally additional shopping space
Each guest travelling is entitled to a whopping 99 kilograms of baggage allowance. Of course, on average first class travelers are permitted to travel with bags not exceeding 64 kilograms. Now, Etihad Residence flyers are permitted an additional 35 kilograms.
#9 VIP service on-ground
No more immigration or security lines! A VIP Attaché will welcome you and personally take you through check-in, to the lounge and on board the aircraft.
#8 Mid-air Concierge service for your on-ground woes
With Etihad’s onboard Luxury Concierge service, you can reserve a table at your favourite Michelin starred restaurant in London or book the best seats at a West End show.
#7 No more plastic trays and mediocre cutlery
The culinary experience onboard is indeed as exclusive as dining at a fine-dining restaurant, with 24 karat gold plated fine porcelain from Bernadaud, gold-plated cutlery from Studio William and Vera Wang’s crystal glassware.
#6 Personal chef and Caviar service
Dining on board the Residence is far from limited selection and pre-cooked meals. Select a gourmet delight from an extensive menu which includes a luxury caviar service or ask your personal chef to whip up something more your style.
#5 “En-sweet” bathroom
The bathroom features a shower, a hairdryer, luxurious amenities from Acqua di Parma paired with linens from Pratesi. Of course, this is in addition to the necessities.
#4 A Savoy-trained butler
No, we are not joking. This flying experience is teamed up with a personal butler trained by The Savoy Academy, London. The hospitality brand is recognised globally for training the best of butlers – combining a perfect blend of traditional English butlers with the efficiency of a 21st century personal assistant. Some ultimate personalised service at your doorstep, considering the airline is catering some clientele to the likes of the Beckhams, royalty or Heads of State.
#3 Entertainment, entertainment, entertainment!
With a 32 inch HD screen in the living room, in addition to the 27 inch HD screen in your bedroom accompanied by Bose Headsets. You will be at your destination, before you blink an eyelid.
#2 Finally, a proper bed..
The well appointed bedroom features a double bed for your comfort, with linen exclusively designed by Pratesi, Italy.
#1 Definitely, the largest living space at 30,000 square feet
When we say the largest cabin mid-air, we mean it. With 125 square feet of space, this uber luxury suite entails a living room, a bedroom and an en-suite bathroom.
[Some images via The National]