Bangkok--24 Jul--Star PR
Etihad Airways is once again placing itself at the forefront of in-flight innovation with the arrival of its new purpose-built Airbus 340-500 and the revolutionary Diamond Seat.
The seat sets new industry benchmarks, and includes being able to rotate 180 degrees, enabling Guests to hold meetings, dine and converse with one another in the Diamond zone’s luxurious surroundings. It also features a 23” personal LCD video screen.
The new A340-500 is the first of Etihad’s three zone aircraft to arrive in Abu Dhabi. It forms part of the airline’s record $8 billion order, which was made in 2004 for 29 new Airbus and Boeing aircraft.
“Etihad is extremely proud to be introducing the Diamond zone seat as it fully upholds our ambitions to offer the highest standards of in-flight hospitality. Guests can conduct group meetings and discussions, and then turn away to relax in the luxurious seat in total seclusion,” said HH Dr. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saif Al Nahyan, chairman of Etihad Airways.
Each Diamond Seat is fitted with a privacy shell, and has direct access to the aisles, allowing Guests to move freely around the aircraft with the maximum ease and convenience.
The seat features a six-way movement headrest with built-in massage facility, and for Guests wishing to stretch out and relax on the flight, each of the state-of-the-art seats also reclines into a luxurious 6 feet 1 inch flat bed at the touch of a button.
It is also equipped with fold-and-swivel meal tables, an integrated personal mirror, pneumatic lumbar support and reading light and desk lamp. The surrounding furniture includes a coatroom and mini-bar.
The aircraft is configured with two aisles and can carry 240 Guests with 12 in Diamond, 28 in Pearl and 200 in Coral zone.
Since its arrival the new A340-500 has been involved in familiarisation flights, prior to being deployed on one of Etihad’s major routes. Once completed, the A340-500 will then operate on one of Etihad’s major long-haul destinations, including London (Heathrow and Gatwick) and Paris.
“Every traveller in every seat in every cabin on board the A340-500 will discover new levels of comfort when travelling with Etihad. We are making our biggest investment yet in customer service to make them feel as comfortable in the air as they do at home,” continued HH Dr. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saif Al Nahyan.
Pearl and Coral zone Guests will also enjoy the unique levels of luxury on-board the new aircraft. The Pearl zone business-bed is fully flat, and Guests can enjoy a wealth of TV, radio and video games on the 15 inch personal LCD video screen.
Each zone is also quipped with mood lighting, which adjusts subtly to the time of day, easing jetlag and helping them to arrive rested, refreshed and ready to make the best of their trip.
The A340-500 has a cargo capacity of 15 tonnes at full passenger load, and there are heat adjustable and air conditioned aircraft holds.
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