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HomeNewsOverview: Etihad Airways Airbus A350 Enterprise Class

Overview: Etihad Airways Airbus A350 Enterprise Class

Overview: Etihad Airways Airbus A350 Enterprise Class

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Just 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 characteristic the famend Residences and First Class Flats of yore, Etihad Airways has put in a stunning new enterprise class suite on the Airbus A350. On my method out to the Center East to participate within the 2022 FIFA World Cup festivities, I discovered myself ready to provide Etihad Airways’s latest product a attempt.

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 higher quantity, however is greater than it was nonetheless.

As an Aeroplan Specific Aeroplan Reserve cardholder, I used to be in a position to benefit from the American Specific 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 quite mediocre, as Etihad Airways makes use of the contracted Swissport Lounge alongside many different airways.

The Swissport Lounge is a small, considerably unremarkable house with solely a handful of seats. There isn’t a really extensive choice of meals or drinks, and the lounge lacks home windows to let in pure gentle or supply views of the apron.

Swissport Lounge Chicago

As a substitute, it’s a really modest house to move time in earlier than a flight, and I wouldn’t say it’s actually price arriving any farther prematurely than you could in case you’re flying with Etihad Airways out of Chicago.

Etihad Airways A350 Enterprise Class – Cabin

Upon getting into the enterprise class cabin, I used to be instantly captivated by the sheer quantity of open house within the cabin. When designing the product, Etihad Airways opted to not set up overhead bins over the centre seats, and in response to the airline, the ceilings are the best within the trade.

Etihad Airways A350 enterprise class – Cabin
Etihad Airways A350 enterprise class – Cabin

The cabin is pristine and lovely, with cream hues alongside licorice and golden accents, that are very a lot in step with Etihad Airways’s fashion. 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.

Etihad Airways A350 enterprise class – Brand on the entrance of the cabin
Etihad Airways A350 enterprise class – Brand 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. Observe that the row numbering begins with 5 as a substitute of 1.

These suites characteristic 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 probably essentially the most preferable because of the extra privateness and the window views. Alternatively, {couples} travelling collectively may recognize the center seats, the place they’ll converse and luxuriate in one another’s firm simply.

Etihad Airways A350 enterprise class – Window seat
Etihad Airways A350 enterprise class – Center seats

Intriguingly, once I first boarded the plane, the cabin supervisor requested me to not {photograph} or movie the enterprise class cabin. He subsequently stopped by to talk lightheartedly in regards to the state of affairs and identified that filming at my seat was tremendous, and wound up suggesting that we take a selfie in a while.

Etihad Airways A350 Enterprise Class – Seat

After spending a couple of moments to indulge in my new environment, I ultimately made my solution 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 by a palm tree.

Etihad Airways A350 enterprise class – Seat 5A
Etihad Airways A350 enterprise class – Seat
Etihad Airways A350 enterprise class – Lamp

Instantly in entrance of me was the 18.5-inch, extremely responsive leisure display, which might both be managed by contact or by the in-flight leisure distant.

Etihad Airways A350 enterprise class – Leisure display

Beneath the leisure display 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 dimension.

Etihad Airways A350 enterprise class – Tray desk
Etihad Airways A350 enterprise class – Tray desk

To the left is the seat console, which has a modest quantity of floor house and a sequence 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.

Etihad Airways A350 enterprise class – Floor house
Etihad Airways A350 enterprise class – Vertical space for storing

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. Beneath this, on the vertical floor, is an extra storage compartment.

Etihad Airways A350 enterprise class – Space for storing
Etihad Airways A350 enterprise class – Wi-fi charging station
Etihad Airways A350 enterprise class – Vertical space for storing

Nestled at your shoulder are the literature pocket, the place I discovered the menu, in addition to a studying gentle.

Etihad Airways A350 enterprise class – Literature pocket & lamp

The seat controls are just under the console, nicely inside attain of your fingertips. There are three pre-set analog features, or you possibly can customise the seat recline, seat angle, and overhead gentle through the touch-screen.

Etihad Airways A350 enterprise class – Seat controls

Shifting to the best facet of the seat, the flap of the armrest reveals sufficient storage for a small private merchandise or water bottle.

Etihad Airways A350 enterprise class – Lowered armrest
Etihad Airways A350 enterprise class – Raised armrest
Etihad Airways A350 enterprise class – Armrest space for storing

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.

Etihad Airways A350 enterprise class – Suite door (open)
Etihad Airways A350 enterprise class – Suite door (closed)

It’s price noting that similar to some other seat with a reverse herringbone design, the footwell can really feel a little bit cramped. Nevertheless, 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 completely different from the Piper Heidsieck served on my earlier Etihad Airways enterprise class flights.

Etihad Airways A350 enterprise class – Welcome drink & nuts

Whereas sipping on my crisp glass of Champagne, I took the chance to flick through the Acqua di Parma amenity package.

Etihad Airways A350 enterprise class – Acqua di Parma amenity package

Though the package felt and regarded luxurious, the facilities inside have been quite modest. There was the standard eye masks, socks, toothbrush, and lotion, after which a cologne spritzer was one of many extra elaborate facilities.

Etihad Airways A350 enterprise class – Amenity package contents

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 principle occasion.

Etihad Airways A350 Enterprise Class – Meal Service

Quickly after reaching cruising altitude, the flight attendants started the principle meal service for the flight. At this level, I opted to swap my bubbles for a glass of pink to take pleasure in alongside my meal.

As an appetizer, I had tuna tataki on a mattress of lettuce with some sprouts sprinkled on high, accompanied by contemporary rolls with butter.

Etihad Airways A350 enterprise class – Tuna tataki appetizer presentation

This starter was scrumptious and completely textured. With only a chew, 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. By way of each amount and high quality, the dish was well-executed, with lamb that was tender, savoury, and teeming with tangy flavours and hit of spices.

Etihad Airways A350 enterprise class – Lamb makhdous primary course presentation
Etihad Airways A350 enterprise class – Lamb makhdous primary course

I additionally requested if I might order a second primary 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.

Etihad Airways A350 enterprise class – Cajun shrimp primary course

Concluding the meal service was a mango passionfruit cheesecake, garnished with fruit and drizzled with mango sauce. Certainly, this candy and gentle dessert was essentially the most memorable a part of the meal.

Etihad Airways A350 enterprise class – Mango passionfruit cheesecake dessert

General, the vast majority of the meal service, together with the tuna tataki appetizer, the lamb makhdous primary 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 a complete.

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.

Etihad Airways A350 enterprise class – Restroom

The restroom was quite tight, however has modern jet-black finishes. A desk folds out over the bathroom, ought to you could relaxation your belongings on it when you clean up.

Etihad Airways A350 enterprise class – Restroom desk
Etihad Airways A350 enterprise class – Restroom facilities

Returning again to my suite, I used to be happy to seek out that the lie-flat mattress had been ready with a cover. When in lie-flat mode, the seat turns into a snug 79-inch mattress.

Etihad Airways A350 enterprise class – Mattress
Etihad Airways A350 enterprise class – Mattress
Etihad Airways A350 enterprise class – Legroom

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 – Dawn view

Etihad Airways A350 Enterprise Class – Leisure

E-Field is Etihad Airways’s in-flight leisure system. You will discover a choice of blockbuster movies, stay applications, TV reveals, music, video games, and a choice of round 50 premium magazines in digital format.

Etihad Airways A350 enterprise class – Film choice
Etihad Airways A350 enterprise class – Film choice
Etihad Airways A350 enterprise class – TV choice

Etihad Airways’s E-Field software program options Bluetooth connectivity for pairing with your personal gadgets. Nevertheless, if watching films on a aircraft isn’t your factor, you possibly can at all times place a drink order by the display.

Sadly, you gained’t discover a stay tail-mounted digital camera on the Etihad Airways A350-1000 enterprise class, however you possibly can simply observe alongside along with your flight utilizing the real-time airshow.

Etihad Airways A350 enterprise class – Airshow en path to Abu Dhabi
Etihad Airways A350 enterprise class – Airshow en path to Abu Dhabi

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 by my Boingo account. One of many many perks on the HSBC World Elite Mastercard is complimentary Wi-Fi entry on flights that characteristic 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 through 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 started to browse the All Day Eating menu. Along with the dinner menu, you possibly can order from this menu at any time through 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 hardly ever 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 introduced, after which milk was poured individually by the flight attendant. I loved it whereas searching the window on the beautiful dawn and sipping on a piping sizzling mug of espresso.

Etihad Airways A350 enterprise class – Cereal presentation

The steak sandwich was served alongside a contemporary croissant and a facet of potato chips. The steak sandwich was scrumptious; it’s a dish I’ve had prior to now, and it was simply pretty much as good this time round as I bear in mind it from earlier experiences.

Etihad Airways A350 enterprise class – Steak sandwich presentation
Etihad Airways A350 enterprise class – Steak sandwich

Basically, Etihad Airways’s in-flight meals proceed to be very robust. 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.

Although 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 however proceed to be of a reasonably, 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 solution 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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