Etihad Airways unveils its new Airbus A380 and Boeing 787 and new uniforms in Abu Dhabi

Etihad Airways (Abu Dhabi), the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has capped an incredible 12 months by unveiling its first Airbus A380 and Boeing 787 aircraft (see videos above) to more than 200 of the world’s media in Abu Dhabi.

The doors to the airline’s two new flagship aircraft – in the distinctive new ‘Facets ofAbu Dhabi’ livery – were opened for the first time to reveal the new cabin interiors, which include the ultra-luxurious Residence by Etihad™, the only three-room suite in the sky.

Video: Evolution of the new livery.

Etihad Airways also unveiled a new cabin crew uniform at a spectacular catwalk fashion show. It’s the first major uniform re-launch since the airline’s formation in 2003 and incorporates the same colors used for the cabin interior and new aircraft livery.

Video: The new uniform.

Photo: Etihad Airways. The new uniforms.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ President and Chief Executive Officer, said, “As we have done so many times in our short history, we are reshaping the landscape of modern air travel in our own way.

In addition to the media event at Abu Dhabi airport, Etihad Airways is also hosting an event for travel industry partners and one for the airline’s staff today, ensuring that by the end of the day more than 1,500 people will have toured the two new aircraft.

The fashion show saw 22 Etihad Airways cabin crew showcasing the new uniform which has been designed by Italian Ettore Bilotta, derived from the new brand identity, and combines elegance, comfort and practicality.

Bilotta, in collaboration with the airline’s Guest Services and Guest Experience divisions, chose a warm chocolate brown as the base colour for the different uniform variations.

A deep purple color is added for cabin crew and lounge staff, and a burnt orange accent color for ground crews and Special Services personnel.

Copyright Photo Above: Gerd Beilfuss/AirlinersGallery.com. The pictured Airbus A380-861 F-WWSS (msn 166) was delivered as A6-APA on December 16. It will be introduced to revenue service on December 27 on the Abu Dhabi-London (Heathrow) route.

Following today’s events in Abu Dhabi, the Airbus A380 and Boeing 787 aircraft will continue test operations before starting commercial flights. The A380 will operate daily to London Heathrow from December 27 and the 787 to Dusseldorf from February 1, 2015.

The entry into commercial service of the A380 will see the introduction of The Residence by Etihad™, a new cabin that has captured the imagination of the air travel industry since it was unveiled in May 2014.

Photo: Etihad Airways.

The Residence by Etihad™ (above) features a living room, separate ensuite shower room, and as another first in the airline industry, a dedicated Butler.

Measuring 125 square feet in total, The Residence by Etihad™ is located on the forward upper deck of the A380 and is for single or double occupancy.

The Airbus A380 is also the only Etihad Airways aircraft to offer the First Apartment which is a complete living space with a reclining lounge chair and an ottoman, which opens up to become a separate 80.5 inch long fully-flat bed.

Photo: Etihad Airways.

The First Suite on the Etihad Airways Boeing 787 offers guests an enhanced suite with chilled mini-bar, complete privacy and centre seats which can be joined to create a double bed.

A total of 70 Business Studios are located on the upper deck of the Airbus A380, and the Boeing 787 has 28 Business Studios, all offering aisle access and a fully flat bed of up to 80.5 inches long.

The Economy Smart Seat also debuts on the Airbus A380 and Boeing 787 and has enhanced comfort with the unique ‘fixed wing’ headrest on each seat.