Lately, Etihad Airways launched the brand new Airbus A350-1000 plane into its fleet. As a part of the introduction, the airline debuted an all-new enterprise class suite, changing their earlier flagship product.
Though the brand new plane doesn’t function the famend Residences and First Class Residences of yore, Etihad Airways has put in a stunning new enterprise class suite on the Airbus A350. On my manner out to the Center East to participate within the 2022 FIFA World Cup festivities, I discovered myself ready to present Etihad Airways’s latest product a strive.
Etihad Airways A350 Enterprise Class – Reserving
I booked this one-way enterprise class flight from Chicago to Abu Dhabi utilizing 85,000 Aeroplan factors, previous to the September 1 devaluation. The identical flight booked now would price 90,000 factors, which isn’t a considerably better quantity, however is greater than it was nonetheless.
As an Aeroplan Categorical Aeroplan Reserve cardholder, I used to be in a position to benefit from the American Categorical 25% factors again promotion on the time, which successfully introduced down the associated fee to solely 63,750 Aeroplan factors complete.
Etihad Airways A350 Enterprise Class – Floor Expertise
The bottom expertise in Chicago is relatively mediocre, as Etihad Airways makes use of the contracted Swissport Lounge alongside many different airways.
The Swissport Lounge is a small, considerably unremarkable area with solely a handful of seats. There isn’t a really huge collection of meals or drinks, and the lounge lacks home windows to let in pure gentle or provide views of the apron.
As a substitute, it’s a really modest area to cross time in earlier than a flight, and I wouldn’t say it’s actually value arriving any farther upfront than you should should you’re flying with Etihad Airways out of Chicago.
Etihad Airways A350 Enterprise Class – Cabin
Upon moving into the enterprise class cabin, I used to be instantly captivated by the sheer quantity of open area within the cabin. When designing the product, Etihad Airways opted to not set up overhead bins over the centre seats, and in keeping with the airline, the ceilings are the very best within the trade.
The cabin is pristine and lovely, with cream hues alongside licorice and golden accents, that are very a lot consistent with Etihad Airways’s type. On the entrance of the cabin is a putting metallic gold Etihad Airways emblem, whereas one other emblem is emblazoned on a black background on the rear of the cabin.
There are 44 enterprise class suites onboard the A350-1000, organized in a 1-2-1 customary reverse herringbone seating configuration, every with direct aisle entry. Notice that the row numbering begins with 5 as an alternative of 1.
These suites function a 43-inch-tall sliding door for additional privateness. Whereas the door isn’t as tall as you may discover on Emirates First Class, Etihad Airways First Class, or ANA First Class, it provides a welcome layer of separation between you, the aisle, and different passengers.
For a solo traveller, the window seats are seemingly essentially the most preferable as a result of extra privateness and the window views. Alternatively, {couples} travelling collectively may respect the center seats, the place they will converse and revel in one another’s firm simply.
Intriguingly, after I first boarded the plane, the cabin supervisor requested me to not {photograph} or movie the enterprise class cabin. He subsequently stopped by to speak lightheartedly in regards to the scenario and identified that filming at my seat was wonderful, and wound up suggesting that we take a selfie afterward.
Etihad Airways A350 Enterprise Class – Seat
After spending just a few moments to delight in my new environment, I ultimately made my approach to Seat 5A on the very entrance of the cabin.
The seat was equally as opulent because the cabin, adorned with fake marble consoles, brown leather-based armrests, and an Etihad Airways mosaic throw pillow on the seat. Within the nook of the seat is a definite Etihad Airways lamp, which mimics gentle passing via a palm tree.
Instantly in entrance of me was the 18.5-inch, extremely responsive leisure display screen, which might both be managed by contact or by the in-flight leisure distant.
Under the leisure display screen is a sturdy wood-veneered tray desk. Beneath is a latch that permits the tray desk to slip in direction of you, after which it may be folded out once more to achieve its full measurement.
To the left is the seat console, which has a modest quantity of floor area and a collection of storage compartments. The centre of the console opens as much as reveal a deep space for storing with an influence outlet and the in-flight leisure distant, which may be withdrawn from its place.
Down by your ft, there are charging ports which can be suitable with each USB-A and USB-C cables.
Behind the console is a shallower storage compartment, and notably, the far finish of the console has a wi-fi charging station. Under this, on the vertical floor, is an additional storage compartment.
Nestled at your shoulder is the literature pocket, the place I discovered the menu, in addition to a studying gentle.
The seat controls are slightly below the console, properly inside attain of your fingertips. There are three pre-set analog features, or you’ll be able to customise the seat recline, seat angle, and overhead gentle through the touch-screen.
Shifting to the appropriate aspect of the seat, the flap of the armrest reveals sufficient storage for a small private merchandise or water bottle.
The sliding door is locked for takeoff and touchdown, however when launched, it closes for added privateness, though it solely reaches as much as close to your shoulders.
It’s value noting that identical to some other seat with a reverse herringbone design, the footwell can really feel slightly cramped. Nonetheless, the seat isn’t significantly uncomfortable or claustrophobic by any means.
Etihad Airways A350 Enterprise Class – Facilities
The crew members got here by shortly after we boarded to introduce themselves and welcome passengers onboard. The crew members have been a extremely worldwide group, and I appreciated how pleasant and personable they have been.
I used to be supplied some nuts to munch on and a welcome glass of Duval-Leroy Champagne. This was totally different from the Piper Heidsieck served on my earlier Etihad Airways enterprise class flights.
Whereas sipping on my crisp glass of Champagne, I took the chance to flick through the Acqua di Parma amenity equipment.
Though the equipment felt and regarded luxurious, the facilities inside have been relatively modest. There was the standard eye masks, socks, toothbrush, and lotion, after which a cologne spritzer was one of many extra elaborate facilities.
As takeoff approached, a crew member stopped by to take my meal orders for the flight. There have been to be three programs, and I chosen the lamb makhdous for the primary occasion.
Etihad Airways A350 Enterprise Class – Meal Service
Quickly after reaching cruising altitude, the flight attendants started the primary meal service for the flight. At this level, I opted to swap my bubbles for a glass of pink to get pleasure from alongside my meal.
As an appetizer, I had tuna tataki on a mattress of lettuce with some sprouts sprinkled on prime, accompanied by contemporary rolls with butter.
This starter was scrumptious and completely textured. With only a chunk, I acquired a powerful burst of flavour from the citrus-based sauce.
The principle course of lamb makhdous served over rice got here shortly thereafter. When it comes to each amount and high quality, the dish was well-executed, with lamb that was tender, savoury, and teeming with tangy flavours and an excellent hit of spices.
I additionally requested if I may order a second foremost course, to proceed with my custom of overindulging on flights. Sadly, the cajun shrimp dish was far much less compelling than the lamb, and I don’t suppose I’ll discover myself ordering it once more.
Concluding the meal service was a mango passionfruit cheesecake, garnished with fruit and drizzled with mango sauce. Indubitably, this candy and mushy dessert was essentially the most memorable a part of the meal.
Total, nearly all of the meal service, together with the tuna tataki appetizer, the lamb makhdous foremost course, and the cheesecake dessert, was becoming of the usual that Etihad Airways has set for itself. Alternatively, I recall that the meal service on my earlier flights with Etihad Airways to have been higher as an entire.
Etihad Airways A350 Enterprise Class – Mattress
After the meal service, I used to be wanting ahead to some relaxation, so I visited the Airbus A350-1000’s restroom to clean up earlier than mattress.
The restroom was relatively tight, however has modern jet-black finishes. A desk folds out over the bathroom, ought to you should relaxation your belongings on it whilst you clean up.
Returning again to my suite, I used to be happy to seek out that the lie-flat mattress had been ready with a quilt. When in lie-flat mode, the seat turns into a cushty 79-inch mattress.
I awoke after almost 5 hours of restful sleep, with solely two hours remaining till our arrival in Abu Dhabi.
Etihad Airways A350 Enterprise Class – Leisure
E-Field is Etihad Airways’s in-flight leisure system. You could find a collection of blockbuster movies, dwell packages, TV reveals, music, video games, and a collection of round 50 premium magazines in digital format.
Etihad Airways’s E-Field software program options Bluetooth connectivity for pairing with your personal gadgets. Nonetheless, if watching films on a aircraft isn’t your factor, you’ll be able to at all times place a drink order via the display screen.
Sadly, you gained’t discover a dwell tail-mounted digital camera on the Etihad Airways A350-1000 enterprise class, however you’ll be able to simply observe alongside along with your flight utilizing the real-time airshow.
Etihad Airways A350 Enterprise Class – Wi-Fi
As I had some work to do, I made a decision to connect with the in-flight Wi-Fi for the rest of the flight via my Boingo account. One of many many perks on the HSBC World Elite Mastercard is complimentary Wi-Fi entry on flights that function Boingo.
Enterprise class passengers are given a mere 350 MB of free Wi-Fi, and the price of buying Wi-Fi for the rest of the flight is as much as $29.99 (USD).
With out complimentary Boingo Wi-Fi, the 4 Wi-Fi packages, together with a text-only bundle, are priced as follows:
- Simply chat: $1.99 (USD)
- One hour: $6.99 (USD)
- Six hours: $15.99 (USD)
- 24 hours: $29.99 (USD)
I discovered the connection pace to be fairly quick, and I didn’t have any points finishing my work throughout the flight.
Etihad Airways A350 Enterprise Class – Snack Service
Because the flight continued at cruising altitude, I used to be feeling a bit peckish and commenced to browse the All Day Eating menu. Along with the dinner menu, you’ll be able to order from this menu at any time throughout the flight, in addition to for the pre-arrival meal.
To start, I had some breakfast cereal, after which I adopted up with a steak sandwich. I not often eat cereal for breakfast, however having it on an airplane is at all times a nostalgic deal with that brings me again to my childhood.
A cereal bowl was offered, after which milk was poured individually by the flight attendant. I loved it whereas searching the window on the attractive dawn and sipping on a piping sizzling mug of espresso.
The steak sandwich was served alongside a contemporary croissant and a aspect of potato chips. The steak sandwich was scrumptious; it’s a dish I’ve had prior to now, and it was simply nearly as good this time round as I keep in mind it from earlier experiences.
On the whole, Etihad Airways’s in-flight meals proceed to be very sturdy. I recall the meal service to be extra memorable in earlier years, however they nonetheless keep a really excessive customary in comparison with many different airways.
It wasn’t lengthy till we started our descent into Abu Dhabi, and I completed the flight with a full stomach and a content material thoughts.
Conclusion
After my inaugural flight on Etihad Airways’s latest enterprise class product, I left feeling each glad and impressed with the general expertise.
The cabin is immaculate and putting, whereas the high-tech seat is complemented with ample space for storing and superior consolation. For my part, it’s a significant enchancment over the enterprise class cabin present in Etihad Airways’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
Though the in-flight meals on the brand new enterprise class product aren’t fairly on par with what I’ve loved in earlier years, they nonetheless proceed to be of a reasonably, however not exceptionally, excessive customary.
Furthermore, the service onboard didn’t go unnoticed, and I appreciated the nice and cozy however polished skilled interactions.
Etihad Airways’s new Airbus A350-1000 enterprise class product is definitely a compelling approach to journey to the Center East, and I wouldn’t hesitate to fly this product once more on a future long-haul flight.
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