Etihad wows with Armani-enhanced business class
The Gulf carrier has looked to the fashionable streets of Milan to take its already-stellar service to greater heights.
By Chris Ashton, October 19 2022
Etihad Airways is shooting for the stars with its latest premium offering, unveiling an enhanced sleep and dining experience not only inspired by the heavens but spearheaded by one of the world’s leading fashion designers.
Jetting off in business class from December, the bespoke range of bedding and tableware – dubbed ‘The Constellation Collection’ – is described by the Gulf carrier as ‘Italian elegance meets Middle Eastern luxury’.
A memory foam mattress and luxurious Armani bedding will help you sleep well amongst the stars.
Designed exclusively by Giorgio Armani for Armani/Casa, it includes an enhanced turn-down service with matching pillowcase and duvet, in addition to a memory foam mattress to help guests sleep soundly on longer flights.
Right at home in a fine dining restaurant, the collection’s sleek cutlery, crockery and glassware takes the airline down a decidedly more contemporary route, swapping square plates for oblong and circular silhouettes, mixed materials and highly-textured finishes.
Fashion icon Giorgio Armani is behind the stunning new collection of bedding and tableware.
‘Constellation’ will feature across all business class flights, including the Airbus A350 Business Studio suite – a stylish retreat with sliding privacy door and glittering gold embellishments – and the new-look Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class suite (below) which will take off from 2023.
Etihad's new Boeing 787 Business Studios will be based on the Elements suite from Collins Aerospace.
In line with the airline’s commitment to sustainability, the collection’s design and materials have also reduced equipment weight by up to 10%, resulting in less fuel burn and fewer emissions.
Etihad hopes the collection will set a new benchmark for the industry.
Etihad Group Chief Executive Officer Tony Douglas hails it as “a completely new and elevated way to fly with Etihad Airways—an experience defined by our Emirati heritage yet shaped by a clear vision for our future.”
“Known globally for its Italian luxury and elegance, Armani/Casa is the ideal brand partner to create an unparalleled level of bespoke service and refinement for our guests.”
The Constellation Collection reduces equipment weight by up to 10%.
The white, black and green colour palette is said to reflect the surroundings of Abu Dhabi: the dark green inspired by the region’s date palms, aquamarine to echo the mangroves, and slate to “symbolise the modernity of the iconic Abu Dhabi skyline.”
24 Aug 2011
Total posts 1204
It looks very subdued and classy. It is obvious that EY wants this position to be an obvious counterpoint to the brassy gitziness that EK is known for.
Singapore Airlines - KrisFlyer
28 Jun 2019
Total posts 77
Lovely, except that Etihad will for the foreseeable future continue to fly to MEL and SYD with their rickety 777 cabins that were meant to have been retired by now.
24 Aug 2011
Total posts 1204
Especially sad when you consider they have their beautiful A380s available and doing nothing.
QF
11 Jul 2014
Total posts 971
I can see a lot of competition coming to the Australian market in the coming years, the more the better for every consumer.
20 Nov 2015
Total posts 435
Very nice move by Etihad, they talked about being a 'boutique' airline and this sort of thing along with their latest and new business class really helps.
01 Nov 2017
Total posts 16
Any news on changes in first class offering btw (for the very few routes they are flying first class on)?
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
04 Sep 2015
Total posts 20
Having just flown Syd/Fco in Bus class , I am not impressed at all with Etihad, the lounge in Syd is shared and not only was it packed some people could not get a seat, yet they were still selling tickets to the lounge, food terrible and very little choice, First leg was a bad flight old plane and cabin service was cattle class, again average food , movies etc poor.the lounge at Abu dhabi again packed to the rafters no seats had a shower and could not eat the poor food on display.2nd flight was nicer and better cabin crew.Dreading the flight home soon.I have flown Etihad previously but it has gone down hill rapidly but still paid about $8500 PP .As a Virgin fan it is shame to see this partner such a cheap and shoddy airline, I will go with Singapore next time
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
21 Jun 2020
Total posts 6
Hi Everyone
I agree with the Flying Kangaroo Etihad's 777 are very "rickety" and noisy. A great shame since the onward trip from Abu Dhabi to LHR was by 787 and very comfortable. I made this business class trip in June. If Etihad continue to fly 777 from SYD then I will use a different airline next time.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
01 Mar 2013
Total posts 167
Etihad had a cracking product there when they had Nicole Kidman up the front showing us how unique 'The Residence' was. I flew quite a bit in Bus and occasionally in the First 'Apartments' - yes nice indeed. But, my last trip was underwhelming. I'm not singing EK from the rooftops but it was just as easy to go back to EK and get the car to and from Abu Dhabi.
Airlines shouldn't take the traveller, who has a choice, for granted.
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