Etihad Airways has opened a new dedicated business class lounge at its Abu Dhabi airport home base that will offer its business class customers state-of-the-art entertainment facilities as well as 24 hour dining options, according to a statement from the airline.
The new Terminal 1 business class lounge follows the opening in January of a separate new lounge dedicated to first class customers. More than three times the size of Etihad’s previous premium lounge, the business and first class lounges can now cater for up to 200 customers at any one time.
The new business class lounge includes a “wi-fi” area, library, relaxation zone, a well-being spa, games room, smoker’s lounge and gallery showcasing work by local Arab artists.
Customers can choose between the chic dining areas, relaxing lounge or the business centre which is equipped with workstations, internet access and power points for laptops.
A dedicated well-being area offers tailored treatment rooms for express spa experiences where expert therapists provide specialist treatments which include facials, foot and leg massages.
Further the airline recently passed a rigorous aviation industry safety audit with flying colours. A specialist team from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) examined in detail the airline’s safety procedures and processes.
James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ chief executive, said, “Safety is and always will be Etihad’s number one priority. To undergo this strenuous industry safety audit with no closing findings is a tremendous achievement and testament to the importance we attach to our safety culture.”
Etihad gained IOSA accreditation in 2006 also with zero findings.
IOSA audits are mandatory for all IATA member airlines and require meeting 926 separate standards in areas including organisation and management, flight, cabin, ground and cargo operations, maintenance, flight dispatch and security.