Etihad Airways - Pearl Business Class
Etihad Airways from Abu Dhabi has been in existence for ten years and has now secured its place in global aviation. The in-flight product meets the high standards expected of airlines from the Middle East.
The atmosphere on this rainy Saturday at Frankfurt Airport in Terminal 2 at the gate of the flight to Abu Dhabi is excellent. After all, you're escaping the miserable weather in the direction of warmth. Unfortunately, Frankfurt Airport's own Etihad Lounge was not available. This was currently being renovated and Business Class guests were invited to the Cathay Pacific lounge.
Boarding took place punctually and, as is usual with airlines from this part of the world, a multicultural crew greeted us on board. The stewards, dressed in white jackets, give an idea of the importance attached to service. The mood of the crew is pleasant, no fake grins, the guest is welcome.
Due to the height of the partition between the 22 seats for privacy, the ambience of the cabin is spacious and full. But that changes once you have taken a seat. The 1-2-1 seating arrangement provides plenty of individual space.
Seat distance 185 centimeters, seat width 51 centimeters. At the touch of a button, the seat can be transformed into a 180-degree adjustable, 1.85-meter-long bed. Other features include a 38 cm LCD touchscreen monitor mounted in the backrest of the front seat, a reading light and a magazine rack.
The seats have a built-in massage function, a power socket and two USB ports. 875 hours of the latest entertainment program are available, on demand of course. The comfortable headphones also serve as noise protection.
Connoisseur Circle has taken a seat in seat 8H. However, we recommend seat 9K or 7K, as well as 7A or 9A. Individual seats by the window, which provide plenty of privacy and ample storage space.
Soon after take-off, the passengers devote themselves to the culinarium, which is celebrated. Like Turkish Airlines and Austrian Airlines, Etihad has a "flying chef" on board. They normally work in First Class, but on this day an Airbus without First was being used. This meant that the chef, in our case a lady, was available for the guests in Business.
Deciding on a menu is not easy with three starters to choose from. It is even more difficult with four main courses to choose from, including an excellent grilled sea bream. The steward recommends a Chateau De Chassagne-Montrachet, 2008, Burgundy, France. Well tempered. Incidentally, there is no trolley service, everything is served fresh from the kitchen. The international wine selection includes three white wines, three red wines and GH Mumm champagne, the official champagne for the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi.
Needless to say, the time "flies by". A short nap, a bit of cinema and we land on time in Abu Dhabi. Entry is very quick on this day. In Abu Dhabi, Business Class passengers have their own limousine transfer to their destination in the emirate.
Kurt Hofmann
December 2013
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