Etihad Airways' new Boeing 787 will get its own first class cabin with First Suites designed specifically for the Dreamliner.
The first batch of Boeing 787-9s will feature eight of the First Suites, although Etihad will also configure half of its 787 fleet as a two-class version with business class and economy class.
The First Suites are arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration with curved aisles between them, to not only provide slightly more useable space but also to make the cabin feel even more private.
The centre suites can be joined to create a double bed for travelling companions.
Boasting a 26 inch wide Poltrona Frau lounge chair that converts to a comfortable 80.5-inch long fully-flat bed, like the First Apartments on the A380, leather upholstery and three different colour schemes also make an appearance.
Complete with in-seat massage, an ottoman with space for carry-on storage, a 23" x 20" dining table and a personal wardrobe, the elaborate suite also sees an inflight chef on hand to prepare a la carte five-star meals throughout the flight.
Did we mention that there's also a chilled mini-bar fridge?
When it's time to sleep, a turn-down service with a luxury Coco-mat mattress and bedding comes as standard, as does privacy – a 58" high sliding door (about 147 cms from ground to top) keeps sleeping passengers from prying eyes.
A 24 inch screen pipes inflight entertainment from the latest Panasonic eX3 entertainment system, with a video touchscreen handset that can also double as a 'second screen' – for example, displaying the moving map while the main screen shows a movie.
Also read: Etihad reveals first routes for Boeing 787, Airbus A380
Australian Business Traveller is visiting Abu Dhabi as a guest of Etihad Airways.
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Chris is a a former contributor to Executive Traveller.
04 May 2014
Total posts 12
I am a passionate Etihad fan, and have flown their current Diamond First Class Product, which I find to be excellent each time. You mentioned the seat width is 26 inches. Is this the width between arm rests or the bed width? I must say that in the title picture, the seat looks VERY narrow compared to the old product. To be honest it doesn't look any wider than the Business Studio Seat. The current First Class has a seat width of 22inches between arm rests, and 29.5 inches bed width. Seeing as the 787 is 30cm wider than the A330/340, I would expect a wider seat/bed, and the curved aisle design is also intended to make footspace narrower, and seat width wider? Why does the seat still look so very narrow?
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