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I did a short trip with Abu Dhabi Etihad Airways Late October, from London Heathrow Airport Airbus A350 and return Boeing 787 Dreamliner. We previously introduced The Business Class Experience on the A350 This year. So, I thought I’d take this opportunity to focus on the 787 product.
on the ground
before i go my way Door exist Abu Dhabi International AirportI made sure I took some time to visit Etihad’s business class lounge, a short walk from the departure gates of Terminal 3. Please note – I do not recommend taking pictures of the lounge from the outside. A security guard, uncomfortable with me taking the picture below with my phone, asked a series of questions before calling a colleague to give the green light.
Photo: Sumit Singh | Simple Flight
Nonetheless, once in the lounge, it was calm and quiet. The staff inside were very willing to receive me and even took pictures of me as souvenirs. I’ll cover the lounge in more depth in a future post, but I appreciate the chance to have a turkey bacon and eggs breakfast before heading to the plane.
After refueling, I walked to the gate, where I was stopped at a second security checkpoint where all my belongings were checked. I understand the need to double down on security. However, this inspection is much more thorough than normal customs security procedures. The workers inspected both of my bags and checked the insides themselves before letting me open the equipment for them to inspect. I was then body searched and slapped, and then I was scanned for any suspicious material.
All in all, I don’t think this program is right for the gated area.This is something I think would be better placed elsewhere terminalmaybe just before the gate lounge, as it causes queues to get into the area, and I suspect some delays as passengers think they get to the gate in time only to find themselves being rigorously searched.
Photo: Sumit Singh | Simple Flight
After the search, I struggled through the crowded seating area blocking the gate. Even business travelers have a slow moving line. Economy lines move faster than business lines because there is only one person dealing with business passengers, causing delays whenever there is a doubt.
Photo: Sumit Singh | Simple Flight
boarding time
The jetbridge is a bit crowded, but I don’t think of a popular route. We walked steadily across the bridge and boarded the widebody aircraft. The atmosphere on the Dreamliner changed suddenly. I was warmly welcomed by Sarah Spaldi, the stewardess leading the business class that day. She proudly told me she was from Italy and would take care of me during the flight.
My initial reaction was that there was plenty of room to choose from. In the 1-2-1 layout, it is easy to move around and pass other passengers and flight attendants, even when storing luggage and preparing seats.
Once I’m settled, I can choose a drink. My first choice was a cold lemon-mint drink, which the flight crew referred to as the airline’s signature. I must say this is the most refreshing and delicious drink I have ever had on a plane. A balance of zest and sweetness gets the onboard experience off to a good start.
Flight EY25 is registered with A6-BLQ, a 787-9 that joined the Etihad fleet in September 2017. Although the plane is slightly older than the A350 I flew into Abu Dhabi, it still feels fresh. After all, it was only produced five years ago.
The aircraft departed Abu Dhabi at 10:38 GST. The flight attendant made sure there were no glasses or other items dangling on takeoff, announcing us that it was about to take off. Overall, the taxiing and takeoff experience was smooth, with fantastic views of the coast as we head out to sea.
Photo: Sumit Singh | Simple Flight
when eating
Crews were given the option to serve meals immediately after takeoff or wait until later. I would love to eat first so I can sit down and rest. The first meal is then served on a tray that pulls out from the side panel next to the IFE screen.
It is important to note that I am gluten intolerant so what I serve will vary from what is on the standard menu. I’ve had some hit and miss experiences in this area over the years, with some airlines not sure what to offer and others calling and asking.
I’m not too picky myself, but I think of people who fly business class a lot and expect great service with minimal effort.
Thankfully, Etihad Airways has something better to offer in this department. The salad appetizer comes with a heap of hummus, one of my favorite vegetarian options. Seriously, I could eat an entire bowl of hummus by myself. Today, I can taste the freshness, which is supported by the rest of the salad.
Photo: Sumit Singh | Simple Flight
The main course was chicken, vegetables and boiled potatoes. Admittedly, the chicken was a bit dry at first. Still, there’s nothing a little Tabasco can’t fix, and it’s quickly handed out along with a bit of mustard.
Photo: Sumit Singh | Simple Flight
Sarah explained that the team usually serves bread with the main meal, but today there was no other option. On departure, I was given a lot of gluten free bread, but I guess they forgot to pack it for the return trip.
Photo: Sumit Singh | Simple Flight
The red wine paired well with the chicken and helped me unwind after a busy few days. I also tried the white dessert wine to finish the meal, which I chose in place of the fruit platter I was offered. Still, I bet the wine was as sweet as the fruit I wanted.
Photo: Sumit Singh | Simple Flight
explore for a while
Now is the time to admire the seats. The warm tones in the cabin are complemented by ambient lighting, especially in the form of locally-inspired side lights. With the push of a button, the light can provide a variety of different intensities of lightning, or it can be turned off completely. Whatever the tone, it won’t be too much for the other guests.
I use a lamp to provide plenty of light to see what’s in the bag on the table. There is a post-COVID travel kit that includes alcohol gel, two wipes and a face mask.
Photo: Sumit Singh | Simple Flight
I’d rather see what’s in the Acqua di Parma travel kit. The Italian lifestyle and fashion attire category is a great fit, but inside the pouches are just two small products from the brand – a moisturizer and a spray swatch. They also come with eye masks and dental kits.
I store all my belongings in the side storage bins of my Discovery headphones. These earphones plug under an opening in the storage unit, which means that despite not being wireless, I have no uncomfortable wires on my body.
grab some closed eyes
Before watching El Royale’s Bad Times on the IFE screen, I snapped into lie-flat mode with a push of a button via the side controls.
Photo: Sumit Singh | Simple Flight
The screen is a bit far away when lying flat, but the touch-responsive controls take care of that.
It’s probably the easiest controller I’ve ever dealt with to navigate while flying, since the others were just too fiddly. From here, I can easily select, pause, and mute whatever I’m viewing.
I was a little sleepy, so dimmed the famous 787 window, which can be adjusted via the button below.
Photo: Sumit Singh | Simple Flight
The windows went dark in no time, and I fell asleep listening to Phil Collins’ biggest hits through the IFE. I’m not tall, and the length of the lie-flat seat feels like the length of my bed at home. There’s also plenty of room to swivel into the correct position for proper reclining.
last resort
Waking up about an hour before touchdown, I was quickly served the last of my meals.
Photo: Sumit Singh | Simple Flight
Salads are a bit underwhelming, as food on the A350 is much more dynamic, as you can see in the photo of the flight below.
The approach and landing were as smooth as ever, and after touching down at Heathrow I was delighted to catch a glimpse of a former British Airways Concorde. EY25 landed at 15:08 BST.
Photo: Sumit Singh | Simple Flight
I can’t think of a better way to spend 7 hours and 30 minutes in the skies of the Middle East and Europe. There were some initial issues, and I did miss the added privacy of the A350, such as its tall sliding doors. Once on board, however, most of my concerns were put to rest. I had a very relaxing time with the attentive service provided by Sarah and her team.
Soft products in business class to progress over the next few months Following Etihad Airways’ partnership with Armani. We’ve already caught a glimpse of what the Emirates airline has teamed up with the Italian fashion house. The new initiative will add to the airborne offerings.
What are your thoughts on Etihad Airways’ Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner business class? Have you flown in this cabin since its launch? Let us know what you think about the aircraft and its products in the comments section.
Simple Flying Fly as a VIP of Etihad Airways.
Etihad Airways
- IATA/ICAO code:
- Ernst & Young/Estimated
- Airline type:
- Full Service Carrier
- hub:
- Abu Dhabi International Airport
- year established:
- Year 2003
- CEO:
- Tony Douglas
- nation:
- united arab emirates
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