Etihad Airways, has taken delivery of a new aircraft, the first step in the transition to its new fleet of widebodies which will start to arrive from September 2005.
The first flight took off from Abu Dhabi to Frankfurt, Etihad’s latest destination, after which it will operate on all Etihad routes providing guests with the opportunity to experience the aircraft. The brand new Airbus 330-220 offers a tempting foretaste of the new Etihad in-cabin product which will be launched to the world in late 2005. Diamond Zone’s 12 luxury sleeper seats offer a full 180 degree recline, in additional to a personal space of over three metres. The new Pearl Zone features a virtual flat sleeper seat and a higher level of comfort and style than many other products. Coral Zone guests will also enjoy between 32” and 36” of leg room.
The new aircraft is the first Airbus wide body to feature the revolutionary 4000i in-flight entertainment system which will be a feature of all new Etihad aircraft, offering audio and video on demand. Seats in all zones are equipped with high resolution LCD / DVD quality screens which are the equal of the very best home video systems available today and designed to be the clearest in the air.
Another new feature which adds to the welcoming feel is a state-of-the-art mood lighting system, specifically designed to offer guests a constantly changing atmosphere to match the time of day and duration of their journey. Proven medical research has shown that mood lighting can considerably reduce the stress levels normally associated with long-haul air ravel. Etihad is paying special attention to the well being of guests on all of its new aircraft.
“This new aircraft gives the world a clear indication of the direction we are taking at Etihad, and underlines our continuous growth and development,”said HE Dr Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saif Al Nahyan, chairman of Civil Aviation Department in Abu Dhabi and chairman of Etihad Airways.