The Residence

Two weeks ago, the buzz in the airline industry was the launch of a private branded airplane by the Toronto-based luxury hotel chain Four Seasons.

Today, it’s Etihad Airways announcing the launch of hotel-style rooms on its aircraft to lure wealthy passengers.

The UAE carrier says The Residence on its Airbus A380 will be the world’s most luxurious living space in the air.

“Accommodating single or double occupancy, it features a living room, separate double bedroom and en suite shower room. Guests in The Residence will also have a personal Butler” the airline said Sunday.

The Residence

For those who can’t afford The Residence, Etihad will offer private suites called First Apartments, which will have a separate reclining lounge seat and full-length bed, as well as a mini-bar, personal vanity unit and wardrobe.

On its Boeing 787 Dreamliners, the attraction will be the so-called First Suite. Etihad says each First Suite will be fitted with a personal wardrobe, drinks cabinet and space that allows you to entertain another guest.

The First Apartment

“These new living spaces will raise inflight product and service standards to their highest level yet in commercial aviation and alter air travellers’ expectations of inflight comfort and luxury forever,” said James Hogan, Etihad president and CEO.

“Etihad Airways’ A380 and B787 will deliver the most advanced airline cabins in the industry, while meeting all weight, range and cost targets at our desired seat count.”

The interiors of the two aircraft were designed by the Etihad Design Consortium, established in 2008.

The airline said EDC brought together three top design companies, Acumen, Factorydesign and Honour Branding, to develop cabin and seat designs for the new fleets.

Etihad has ordered 71 Dreamliners, 41 787-9s and 30 787-10s. It also has ordered 10 A380s, with an option for another five superjumbos.

The airline is expected to take delivery of the new aircraft, starting this fall.

All images are courtesy of Etihad.