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Etihad Airways EY11 flight flying enroute Abu Dhabi – London Heathrow took its maiden flight recently, its special feature being the 3-cabin configuration on Boeing 777. Etihad’s new addition to its fleet of aircrafts is the first Boeing 777-300ER to have 3-cabin configuration. The aircraft has 8 Diamond suites (first class category), 40 Pearl seats (Business class category with seats turning to lie-flat beds when needed) and 282 Coral seats (economy class category).

The aircraft flies the ‘blue-ribbon’ route between Abu Dhabi and London with flight numbers EY11 onward and EY12 for return and is expected to boost the airliners capacity by at least 13 percent. The added capacity in the business class category is designed to cater to the increasing demand from business class travelers who take the Abu Dhabi to London early morning flight. The airline is currently flying 4 flights between London and Abu Dhabi numbered EY 17, 18, 19 and 20 with its established Airbus A340-600s that has 3-class configuration. These flights will continue as per schedule and the new EY11 and 12 will be in addition to these.

James Hogan, the President and CEO of Etihad Airways said that the guests flying the London – Abu Dhabi route and the other 87 destinations that Etihad Airways serviced expected nothing but the best in flight experience especially since Etihad Airways has been adjudged the leading airlines in the world. He added that their current configuration of 2-class cabin on the Boeing 777-300ERs that was first launched in 2006 was a proven favourite with the passengers of the airways. The airlines in its gradual expansion plans always intended to introduce the 3-class configuration and this magnificent machine was just ideal for it.

Furthermore, he said that over a period of 18 months, Etihad would be taking delivery of 7 Boeing 777-300ERs increasing their fleet size of the 777s to 18 passenger aircrafts. Of these six would have the 3-class configuration and these would be unveiled on more routes in the coming months.

Has won the Best First Class in the World award consecutive for 2 years – 2010 and 2011, given away by Skytrax annually.

The salient features of the suite include the luxurious seats with Poltrona Frau leather which turns into a fully flat 80 inch bed and a comfortably large dining table with wood finish and complete privacy afforded by the Arabic style sliding doors. Etihad Airways takes good care to entertain its first class passengers and for this reason they have the 23 inch screen that has E-box connection for on-demand entertainment. The personal needs of the passengers are taken care of by the personal wardrobe with attached mirror, a personal minibar and 4 separate lighting options that also have dimmers. The seats have dedicated power points as well as USB connections. In the first class called the Diamond suites there is also a changing room that’s comfortable and spacious complete with full length mirror duly illuminated and leather seat that can be folded down.

Culinary specialties served in the Diamond suites include menus from Taste of Arabia and all new Mezoon Grille. The First Class chefs preparing and serving these delicacies are classically trained and fully qualified.

In conclusion, James Hogan said that the introductory flights of 777, EY11 and the EY12 were chosen on their busiest sector as it gave Etihad’s premium passengers the option of the Diamond suites (first class cabins) and also because it increased the capacity of the Pearl Class (business class) by as much as 25% and so the guests had better options to choose from.