In 2017, the ‘Airline Excellence Awards’ ranked Etihad Airways one of the top ten airline carriers in the world. AWM boards Etihad’s Business Class to Abu Dhabi to really understand why the Middle Eastern airline is scoring top marks.

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates started operations in 2003 and has become one of the world’s fastest growing airlines. From its Abu Dhabi base, Etihad flies to over 100 passenger and cargo destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and North America. The multi-award winning airline has been named as the “World’s Leading Airline” at the World Travel Awards for eight consecutive years, and seeks to reflect the best of modern Arabian hospitality—cultured, considerate, warm, and generous.

HEATHROW LOUNGE

This is where the experience starts. The Etihad Lounge at Heathrow has all the essentials you would want from an executive lounge, and much more. As well as comfortable seating space, great food available at the buffet or à la carte, a kid’s playroom, great reading material, and a wide selection of wines and whiskies.

ONBOARD

The real fun starts once you’re onboard. This is where you actually experience why Etihad is one of the best carriers in the world. I feel that a frequent traveller is looking at four key features in Business Class: comfort, space, privacy and indulgence.

In Etihad’s Business Class, the seat reclines completely to a fully- flat bed. But there are lots of extras which make all the difference. From individually controlled lighting to suit your mood, storage compartments, amenity kits for night flights, luxury blankets, reading material and a range of connection ports. Everything you would want and expect has been thought of and conveniently configured to be at your seat.

The service and food are flawless. With airline competition becoming fierce, one of the most important aspects of choosing an airline really is the service. It doesn’t matter how good the product is, if the service fails, chances are you’ll never fly with them again. The service is something that Etihad has mastered. The cabin crew make you feel special and offer unique services such as the Dine Anytime Menu. The food and beverage manager can also guide you through the menu options and can make wine and beverage recommendations.

ABU DHABI LOUNGE

Be prepared to be wowed when you walk in to the Business Class Lounge at Abu Dhabi airport. Just the sheer size of it is astounding. Everything you need and potentially want is available – from an extensive selection of hot and cold food, a well-stocked bar serving a wide selection of drinks, Wi-Fi connectivity and the opportunity for a shower or spa treatment.

Etihad has placed customer service and guest experience at the heart of everything it does. It is such a luxury to be able to leave the plane after a long-haul flight feeling as fresh and relaxed as when you first boarded it. With Etihad, it is much more than just travel. You are guaranteed an experience which helps you appreciate the difference between a good airline and a great one.

In Partnership with Etihad Airways