If airport lounges are the modern-day refuge for the weary traveller, then Etihad Airways hopes to have created the ultimate "world's best" in luxury waiting areas at its first-class facility in Abu Dhabi.
Airlines around the globe have been investing hundreds of millions of dollars to upgrade their in-airport facilities including adding fine dining restaurants with gourmet food, hair salons, spas and showers in the race to attract first- and business-class travellers.
While passengers still choose airlines based on their connectivity, prices and frequent flyer programmes, with premium services in the air converging – a flat bed in business, good foodand endless options from in-flight entertainment – amenities on the ground are becoming a key differentiator.
Etihad said yesterday that it would open a “spectacular” new first-class lounge at Abu Dhabi International Airport in May, as it continues to evolve its offering for premium travellers. In 2014, the carrier introduced a new first-class cabin and The Residence – a three-room suite complete with a Savoy-trained butler, on-board its Airbus A380 fleet.
The lounge will be located at Terminal 3 and will be for the exclusive use of First Class guests, Etihad Guest Platinum and Etihad Airways Partners Platinum guests, and those staying in The Residence.
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Luxury in the sky
■ In pictures: luxury in the sky with Etihad's Airbus A380 and 787 Dreamliner fleet
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Peter Baumgartner, Etihad’s chief commercial officer said the lounge “will be the jewel in the crown of our ever-growing global lounge portfolio, a showcase of intelligent design and innovation, and the world’s best premium airport experience”.
Dubai-based Emirates has invested more than US$320 million in its lounge network since 2004, when it opened its first international facility in Brisbane.
The airline also has a first class lounge in Dubai International Airport that stretches the entire length and breadth of the concourse and has its own duty free shopping areas and seating to accommodate about 1,500 passengers.
The US’s biggest three carriers – American, United, and Delta – are revamping their lounges after suffering a decade of neglect amid $58 billion worth of industry losses from 2001-09.
Etihad, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines and their US and European rivals are competing fiercely for market share in the premium travel segment, which is beginning to slow amid global economic concerns.
According to Iata, November premium passenger traffic was up 0.7 per cent year-on-year compared to a 3.4 per cent increase for economy travel. Premium travel between the Middle East and both Europe and the Far East fell in November year-on-year.
selgazzar@thenational.ae
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