Etihad unveils new first class offering
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Etihad Airways has unveiled its new first class seats. Making the announcement at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, Etihad’s Chief Executive Officer, James Hogan said that the new seat was another step towards Etihad’s goal of becoming the world’s most luxurious airline. The new first class offering will feature a fully-flat bed, 23-inch flat-screen TV, full privacy of twin sliding doors, and washbasin.
The new product will be gradually rolled-out throughout Etihad’s fleet of wide-bodied aircraft, starting with the airline’s new Airbus A340s, said Chief Operating Officer, Peter Baumgartner. While he did not reveal exactly which routes would first see the new first class seats, Baumgartner suggested that the roll-out may coincide with the launch of Etihad’s direct Abu Dhabi-Chicago services.
“We have a clear premise; to be the best airline in the world,” said Hogan. He added that while some people might find it strange to be launching this product in the middle of a global economic downturn, which has particularly hit premium air traffic, Etihad remained on track to hit its target of breaking even in 2010, and achieved both financial and performance targets in Q1 2009, with a seat factor of 75% across its entire network.
Etihad’s wide-bodied fleet will be refitted to include 12 first class seats; the same number as currently offered. The roll-out will start from August 2009.
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