The Most Over-The-Top First-Class Airline Suites

by GILBERT OTT

From in-flight showers to video chats with flight attendants when you don't feel like getting up, here's what you could be enjoying in the skies.

If the 1960s were the Golden Age of travel, the twenty-teens are the diamond age. Gone are the cigarettes, La-Z-Boy-style seats, and pungent smells of jet fuel; in their place are massive suites, showers in the clouds, and caviar collections fit for a Russian czar. Don't forget the bespoke bedding and bone china collaborations for in-flight afternoon tea, either.

While many airlines have folded their first class into business in the midst of strict corporate travel policies, a few have pushed their suites to soaring new heights. If you're looking for the best in the sky, these first-class cabins are everything—and more.

Courtesy Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites

Readers' Choice Award-winning Singapore Airlines has doubled down in recent years to create what's widely regarded as the single finest commercial flying experience. That's not just hyperbole—at 50 square feet, it wins by measurement as well.
The fact that it starts with a trip to a lounge formally known as "The Private Room" never hurts, either. Here, Dom Perignon flows like water and the lounge feels downright serene. If anyone has ever levied a complaint against the lounge, it's based on the fact that it's too quiet, too polished, and too nice.
On board, you're in a true suite, with a reclining swivel chair capable of facing out toward the windows for reflection or in toward the cabin for dining, a desktop for work, and separate bed. A tablet controls everything for you, from dimming lights to changing the lights' colors. You can carry it with you throughout the suite, too, and use it whether you're in your chair or lounging on the bed. And then there's the 32" television, which wouldn't look out of place in most living rooms. Singapore also went one step further for traveling duos: certain suites can be combined to form a 100-square-foot palace in the sky.

Gilbert OttCathay Pacific

Cathay Pacific Suites

Cathay Pacific's first-class suite lacks many of the bolted-down features you'd expect on a list of the world's top cabins. No, it doesn't have a door, nor does it have a separate seat and bed. But if you ever wished a lie-flat seat could be your actual bed, it would be this one.
Booking into Cathay Pacific first class means you're never let down at any point in your journey. Cathay's lounge outposts in Hong Kong rival many of the finest five-star hotels in decor—and arguably in spa amenities, too. On board, it's impossible not to revel in the handwritten welcome notes given to each guest, before the question of "Would you like a glass of Krug Grand Cuvee 2004?" is proposed. Cathay's first-class beds are wide enough to comfortably sleep two, which makes them more than suitable for one. And when it comes time to hit the hay, the crew arranges each pillow, duvet, and mattress topper like a concerto from a grand master.

Courtesy Air France

Air France La Premiere Class

There are first-class cabins with larger footprints and plenty more bling, but Air France's first class is the epitome of sophistication. There's high thread count bedding, crew who could pass most sommelier exams, and teams on the ground tasked with ensuring that every step of the journey is flawless. One example? Each passenger enjoys a private sedan from the lounge directly to their plane, bypassing the woes of the terminal entirely.

For those who've experienced the other end of the plane, the first thing to marvel at on board is the fact that you've got four windows all to yourself. Your seat, if you insist on degrading it by calling it as such, is the ultimate relaxation chamber. Because doors are boring, Air France introduced floor-to-ceiling curtains, which only intensify the feeling that you're in a chic Parisienne bedroom, rather than a plane. This is an experience where 24-hour fasting beforehand should almost be mandatory, too, as the exquisite on-board tasting menu was designed by a rotating group of the world's finest chefs.

Courtesy Etihad

Etihad A380 First Class

Located in the first rows of the Etihad Airbus A380 Upper Deck, the First-Class Apartments give "leg room" a new definition. The suite is more than just a seat that turns into a bed: it's a seat and a separate bed, with enough room to do push-ups and work off all the fine dining you're consuming. If you're traveling with a companion, there are even suites where the privacy wall can be taken down to create a spacious cabin for two.
But why stop there? Etihad turned its airline menus into ingredient lists where guests can create bespoke dishes directly with on-board chefs. When you need a change of pace, there's an on-board bar to mingle with other guests. Want a shower to wake you up before landing? Etihad's first class has shower suites. Don't ever underestimate the glory of a private shower after 10 hours in the sky at 39,000 feet.

Duncan Chard/Courtesy Emirates

Emirates 777 First Class

With virtual reality, zero gravity seats, and fabrics inspired by Mercedes-Benz interiors, Emirates' new first-class suites are completely over-the-top. Perhaps what makes this experience so unique is the sheer notion that the middle seat is actually the best seat. For the new Boeing 777, Emirates offers two rows with three suites across, rather than the traditional four. To make sure that the middle seat passengers weren't missing out, Emirates created virtual reality "windows," which show the scenes going on outside in HD clarity. After a few glasses from the airline's $500-million wine cellar, including favorites like Mouton Rothschild, no one would hold it against you for believing you're in an actual window seat.

Consumer Report's Best And Worst Airlines In America

JetBlue, Southwest, and Virgin America received favorable Ratings for their check-in, their staff service, and upfront disclosure about their fees.

• By Mandy Walker, Consumer Reports

High fares. Hidden fees. Long security lines. Shrinking seats. Crowded cabins.

There's not much to enjoy about airline travel these days, especially if you're sitting in coach, according to readers in our airline survey, conducted this summer by the Consumer Reports National Research Center.

More than 14,000 coach passengers and some 6,000 first-class passengers who took a domestic nonstop flight told us their opinions about their airline's seat width and comfort, legroom, room for carry-on bags, cabin and restroom cleanliness, check-in ease, service from the airline staff, in-flight entertainment, and transparency about fees.

You'll have a more comfortable trip without springing for an upgrade if you fly with the airline at the top of our coach Ratings: JetBlue. It earned a higher score than any other airline for its coach cabin's seat comfort and legroom.

JetBlue, Southwest, and Virgin America received favorable Ratings for their check-in, their staff service, and upfront disclosure about their fees.

(Find out why it's time to strike a blow against airline fees.) Passengers dinged Southwest and Virgin America, however, for their cramped and uncomfortable seats. Yet apart from JetBlue, all coach services rate poorly in these areas.

When it comes to first-class travel, Virgin America, Hawaiian Airlines, and Alaska Airlines earned an exceptional overall score. Virgin was the real stand out, however, with top marks across the board. Hawaiian and Alaska (with the exception of its average in-flight entertainment) also received high marks in the rated areas. 

Can You Find Comfort in Coach?

Adnan Abidi/Reuters

Overall, people in our survey had a pretty dim view of the U.S. airline industry's domestic coach service. Amenities rated as particularly poor include seating, food and refreshments, and in-flight entertainment. In fact, apart from Southwest’s especially high score on fee transparency, no airline received a top mark on any of the attributes we measured.

Even the highly rated coach carriers received a few below-average marks. JetBlue passengers were unenthusiastic about its food and refreshments. People flying on Southwest gave its seat comfort, legroom, food and refreshments, and in-flight entertainment a big thumbs-down. Passengers had a mixed range of views about hidden fees, but they gave the airlines in the top half of our Ratings much better scores than the carriers that landed below.

The three U.S. airlines that control about 65 percent of the domestic market—American, Delta, and United—placed from the middle to the back of the pack for their coach service.

Two airlines made their debut in our Ratings this year: Sun Country and Allegiant. Sun Country was formed in 1982 by a group of pilots and flight attendants from the defunct Braniff International. The airline now travels to 34 destinations in the U.S., Mexico, South America, and the Caribbean. Allegiant, which took off in 1997, travels to 112 destinations in the U.S., including Laredo, Texas; Grand Island, Nebraska; Ogden, Utah; Missoula, Montana; Scranton, Pennsylvania; Peoria, Illinois, and other smaller cities.

The lowest-rated coach carrier in our survey was Spirit. It received low marks on all the aspects we measured, and was significantly worse than every other airline in terms of overall satisfaction. In fact, its overall satisfaction score is among the lowest for any service we've ever rated. 

Disparities in First Class

JetBlue

Three airlines stood out for first class: Virgin America, Hawaiian Airlines, and Alaska Airlines. Virgin America earned top marks across the board. Last year the airline added free hors d'oeuvres in first class to its traditional after-takeoff cocktail service, as well as hot towels, table linens, and a custom ice cream flavor developed in collaboration with San Francisco'sHumphry Slocombe. 

Hawaiian Airlines received favorable scores in every category, as does Alaska Airlines with the exception of its in-flight entertainment.

Much like coach class, however, passengers who flew with our lower-rated first class carriers were a lot less happy. Not only were United and US Airways first-class travelers significantly less satisfied overall than the travelers on every other airline that qualified for our first-class Ratings, but they were also significantly less satisfied than the coach travelers on the top six carriers in our coach Ratings.

Both were viewed as especially bad for cabin and restroom cleanliness, food and refreshments, and in-flight entertainment. (Note: US Airways took its last flight under its name this year on October 17, and is now fully merged with American.)

Qatar Airways: All-New Level Of Comfort For First And Business Class Passengers

First and Business Class passengers can look forward to staying relaxed and refreshed when flying with Qatar Airways. The airline, recently crowned Airline of the Year at the annual Skytrax World Airline Awards, is renowned for its signature inflight hospitality and is the first international carrier to carry products by two of the world's most renowned Italian brands: Giorgio Armani Fragrances & Beauty and Missoni.
Exclusive amenity kits by Giorgio Armani Fragrances & Beauty and sleeper suits from Missoni are two of the latest luxurious touches offered to Qatar Airways’ premium passengers, reiterating the airline's commitment to delivering five-star indulgence in the skies.
Every element of the new Giorgio Armani Fragrances & Beauty amenity kit has been given a signature touch. The exclusively designed kitsoffer an unprecedented level of sophisticated luxury and comfort; ensuring passengers are kept refreshed and relaxed throughout their journey.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: "We are delighted to collaborate with these renowned luxury brands to provide our First Class and Business Class passengers with refined luxury and comfort on board. These brands are distinguished by their sophistication, superior quality, luxury and eminence – attributes that also define Qatar Airways' signature service for our passengers."
Featured are Giorgio Armani Fragrances & Beauty products from the mythic 'Acqua di Gio' and 'Armani pour Homme' together with Armani men skincare products, and the new feminine Giorgio Armani fragrance 'Si' range and 'Crema Nera Extrema supreme reviving cream', as well as eyeshades, socks, earplugs, a nourishing lip balm by Rituals Cosmetics and a hair brush for female passengers.
First Class passengers on overnight flights will also enjoy stylish and luxurious sleeper suits designed by Italian fashion house Missoni paired with Missoni slippers. The exclusive Missoni sleeping kit has been created to guarantee comfort and relaxation.
In addition to the new range of amenity kits and sleeper suits, a collection of Rituals skincare products are also offered in Qatar Airways' First and Business Class restrooms. The range includes items such as hand wash, fragrance and lotions.

What It's Like To Fly In Etihad's First Class Airline "Apartments"

Let's start with the cold hard facts: It costs from $4,000 each way to secure a “First Apartment” between London and Abu Dhabi, a six-and-a-half hour flight, though it's also possible to book with miles occasionally. I bought my tickets five months ahead of my travel date, redeemed 40,000 American Airlines AAdvantage miles, and paid $155 in fees for the seat. Currently the Etihad A380 only connects Abu Dhabi and London, though it will launch a route to Sydney in June, and come December, it will expand to a 14-hour route between New York’s JFK Airport and Abu Dhabi. 

Courtesy Etihad

Welcomed onto the plane by name, I was escorted to First Apartment 4A by a crewmember I later discovered to be the onboard chef. Since the suites are so large and there’s only one aisle in this exclusive section of the aircraft, there wasn’t much I could see of my nearest seatmate...or anyone else. The privacy is phenomenal.  

Cynthia Drescher

The “signature welcome” for Etihad’s First Class involves a hot towel, a bowl of dates, a signed welcome letter from the Cabin Manager, and a choice of beverage. I opted for a flute of the airline’s First Class champagne, Bollinger La Grande Année 2005, as boarding completed.  

Cynthia Drescher

Before takeoff, cabin attendant Jelka visited with a traditional pour of Arabic coffee and a tour of the features of the seat and suite. Jelka, who claims the A380 is her favorite aircraft “because it is the most luxurious” and makes her “look forward to every day in the air,” is dressed in Etihad’s new crew uniform, designed by Italian haute couturier Ettore Bilotta.  

Cynthia Drescher

Finally up in the air, the A380 leaves London behind and I take some time to admire my First Apartment. It’s a private living space with a leather lounge chair and matching extra-long ottoman, which can seat up to two others (should you want to throw a mid-air cocktail party or have a small meeting). When it’s time for a snooze, that ottoman transforms to a nearly seven-foot-long flat bed.  

Cynthia Drescher

There are only nine of these suites on the plane, compared to 70 seats in business class and 415 in economy. The seat itself is made by Italian luxury furniture-maker Poltrona Frau and so wide that I’m able to curl up and gaze out the window we pass over Vienna, Bucharest, and Istanbul. I order a drink—the “Caribbean Sunrise” of mango juice, mint, lemon, and grenadine—from the "mocktail" side of the beverage menu.  

Cynthia Drescher

Instead of a simple amenity kit, the First Apartment features a built-in vanity laid out with socks, a Le Labo set of hand and face creams, cotton buds and pads, toothbrush and toothpaste, and two tiny bottles of essential oils to encourage rest: one a pillow spray, the other a pulse-point aromatherapy oil. Nearby are USB and universal AC power outlets, a chilled minibar, more nooks for personal storage, and a touchscreen control for adjusting everything from the seat to the window blinds.  

Cynthia Drescher

The luxury of high ceilings in the First Class cabin is thanks to the absence of overhead storage bins. Instead, the area underneath the ottoman comes with two large compartments to accommodate carry-on luggage. I easily slid my hard-shell wheelie, tote, and camera bag under and out of sight.  

Cynthia Drescher

Sliding doors close to increase privacy; the fretwork design allows cabin crew to check on passengers discreetly without having to interrupt their sleep, work, entertainment, or daydreaming.  

Cynthia Drescher

The Etihad A380 is equipped with Panasonic in-flight Wi-Fi, and First Class passengers receive a code for complimentary access during the flight. I spent some time replying to emails, Tweeting, and updating Facebook from 38,000 feet.  

Cynthia Drescher

Although the touchscreen handsets (there are two—one by the chair and one by the bed) allow for browsing the huge on-demand entertainment lineup, I mostly flipped from the moving map to the three channels of live camera views outside the aircraft.  

Cynthia Drescher

Dining onboard isn’t locked to a set meal time, but available whenever you’re hungry. The (extensive) menu arrives printed on pearlescent golden paper, followed by the chef, who personally explains the selections. Take your pick: lamb loin, biryani with choice of meat, marinated prawns, a goat cheese and ratatouille tart, a “chef’s special,” and five different “signature grills,” all cooked with choice of four sauces and six side dishes, plus anything from an a la carte menu. I requested my meal a couple hours into the flight, and began with the chef’s amuse-bouche, a roll of pretzel bread, and appetizer of Arabic mezze.  

Cynthia Drescher

After a palate cleanser of grapefruit sorbet, I worked with the chef to design my main dish: a twist on the “chef’s special,” red snapper. The snapper sat atop lightly caramelized vegetables, which added a sweetness and paired well with one of my favorite in-flight wines, a German riesling. The presentation, personalization, and flavor were worthy of some of the best restaurants on land.  

Cynthia Drescher

Flipping through the dessert menu, I settled on the aumônière—a crepe filled with warm blueberries and marzipan—instead of a cheese plate, chocolate and orange sphere, or tasting flight of three other desserts. I knew I’d made the right decision when Jelka later admitted to having watched, wide-eyed, while the chef prepared it.  

Cynthia Drescher

Passengers may gather for after-dinner drinks in the Lobby, an onboard lounge for First and Business Class outfitted with leather couches and a stand-up bar for socializing. You can even watch a major sporting event here with a beer in hand.  

Courtesy Etihad

The First Class restrooms are all about mood lighting and Le Labo toiletries, to try to convince passengers they’re actually in a spa instead of an airplane lavatory. The shower, which provides five minutes of hot water during a session, is stocked with individual Le Labo bottles of shampoo, shower gel, conditioner, and body lotion. The experience was most welcome after a morning of travel; feeling refreshed, I slipped into black Etihad pajamas while Jelka made up the bed in my suite and adjusted the lighting to a more restful glow.  

Courtesy Etihad

With several hours left in the flight before arriving at Abu Dhabi, it was time for a nap. The ottoman had become a bed, complete with mattress topper, down duvet, and a swiveling TV screen for a little pre-snooze movie. Even after all the great food and a mid-air shower, this, for me, was the height of luxury in the First Apartment: having a private bedroom with enough room to get comfortable. The space was completely my own, and the sleep was uninterrupted. 

Cynthia Drescher

As the sun set in the final hour of the flight, I requested afternoon tea, which came with warm scones with strawberries, strawberry jam, and Cornish clotted cream. The flight had been catered in London, which likely helped the tea service in its perfection.  

Cynthia Drescher

Flying eastward, the sun quickly set and the cabin crew switched the First Class cabin to a cool blue lighting scheme that highlighted the traditional Arabic fretwork in the doors, ceiling, and over the staircase leading to the lower level.  

Cynthia Drescher

The First Class experience continues after arrival, with Fast Track immigration and access to Etihad’s Arrivals Lounge. Snacks, drinks, and even a fresh shave by a barber are available. When it’s time to go, First Class flyers (who’ve made the arrangements at least 24 hours ahead) get into complimentary chauffeured town cars, to be driven from Abu Dhabi Airport to any destination within the United Arab Emirates, whether that’s 20 minutes to the center of the city, or two hours to a resort oasis in the middle of sand dunes. Of course, leaving the A380 is just the end of the flight, but hardly the end of the journey.  

Cynthia Drescher

From www.cntraveler.com

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Learn About The Michelin-Starred Dining On Lufthansa

Lufthansa First Class top chefs

Experience culinary flights of fancy in Lufthansa First Class From now on First Class passengers on Lufthansa long-haul flights can look forward to new gastronomic highlights: The chefs, who currently create menus in two monthly cycles for intercontinental flights departing from Germany under the ‘Culinary delights’ concept, are among the absolute best in the gourmet world and have all been awarded Michelin stars or toques. The caviar service, just like the red rose, is an integral part of our First Class and passengers on day and evening flights will now be able to enjoy this as a separate course. Another innovation, made in response to the wishes of countless passengers, is that in future we will be serving a variety of canapés instead of one single appetizer. Fine food served on simple, modern white china Yet it is not only on the plate that changes have been made but also in the entire tableware: a new design and new elements such as individual salt and pepper mills for each passenger, an extra little bowl with olive oil, elegant glass carafes at the First Class bar with three different kinds of water, a porcelain cheese platter, new cutlery and an elegant napkin ring emphasise the high quality of the whole culinary offering on board. The First Class top chefs... On flights to Germany Lufthansa also continues to rely on the culinary skills of top chefs who demonstrate their abilities in the world’s most exclusive restaurants and who create outstanding menus for our First Class passengers. You can learn more here about our current top chefs and their culinary philosophies — or discover delicious recipes direct from their kitchens. We hope you enjoy them! ...from Germany The top chefs on routes departing from Germany offer ‘Culinary delights’. The current top chef on flights from Germany …to Germany Exclusive menus on international routes - the top first class chefs on flights to Germany. More about the top first class chefs on flights to Germany

Sold: First Passenger Traveling As A Resident On Etihad Airways

He expects it to be the top of luxury. How much did this ticket cost? This is not revealed, but what was revealed by Etihad Airways today is that the most exclusive ticket in aviation history – the inaugural flight in The Residence by Etihad – has been booked by Miami-based businessman and aviation enthusiast, Mr. Gino Bertuccio, who will be the first person ever to experience the world's only private multi-room cabin on a commercial passenger aircraft.

The Residence, which features an exclusive three-room private cabin, including a Living Room, Double Bedroom and Ensuite Shower Room, is a ground-breaking concept unique to Etihad Airways and will be available on the airline's incoming fleet of Airbus A380 aircraft. Mr. Bertuccio will have a dedicated Savoy Academy-trained butler on call throughout the duration of his flight, which is part of the unique experience for guests who book The Residence.

Well before Etihad Airways' first A380 inaugural flight takes off from Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) for London's Heathrow Airport (LHR) on December 27, 2014, a dedicated Concierge team will ensure all aspects of Mr. Bertuccio's experience are handled with the utmost personal attention, dedication and care.

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways' Chief Commercial Officer, said: "We are delighted to welcome Mr. Bertuccio on board The Residence by Etihad. On December 27, he will become part of aviation history as the first member of an elite group of Etihad Airways guests to enjoy the world's most luxurious and exclusive hospitality and service experience in the air."

Mr. Bertuccio who runs Ligi Import Corp said: "I have followed Etihad Airways and I have always admired the products the airline has launched. There are going to be many firsts on this inaugural flight – new amenities, services and other innovations to try. I am excited to experience them all, though I am particularly fascinated by the butler concept."

Mr. Bertuccio, who booked the inaugural flight on etihad.com, has been passionate about flying since a very young age. A true connoisseur with deep expertise and knowledge of air travel, Mr. Bertuccio flew on his first inaugural 25 years ago and has since traveled on 22 inaugural and final flights in premium class cabins. He is an avid collector of airline memorabilia with nearly 2000 model airplanes, as well as albums filled with boarding passes, certificates and photos from past flights.

"For the first time in my flying experience, I really don't know what to expect but I do know that flying in the Residence by Etihad will be a truly unique adventure, the top of luxury. I have huge expectations. My only wish is that the flight was longer," said Mr. Bertuccio.

Travelore News: Ultra-luxurious Residence Revealed By Etihad

The doors to the airline’s two new flagship aircraft – in the distinctive new ‘Facets of Abu 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.

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

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 colours used for the cabin interior and new aircraft livery.

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.

“Today is the culmination of many years of hard work and tremendous endeavour by hundreds of people both in our airline and outside.

“With the launch of these aircraft, we usher in a new era of unparalleled luxury, comfort and service. These innovations represent our vision for the future.”

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 couturier, Ettore Bilotta. It combines elegance, comfort and practicality and the colours are derived from the new brand identity.

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 colour is added for cabin crew and lounge staff, and a burnt orange accent colour for ground crews and Special Services personnel.

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

The Residence by Etihad™ features a living room, separate ensuite shower room, and bedroom, 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 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.

The First Suite on the Etihad Airways B787 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 A380, and the B787 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 A380 and Boeing 787 and has enhanced comfort with the unique ‘fixed wing’ headrest on each seat.

Etihad Airways will take delivery of four A380s and three Boeing 787-9s in 2015.

PHOTO: (left to right all Etihad Airways) Hareb Al Muhairy, VP UAE; Peter Baumgartner, Chief Commercial Officer; Abdul Qader Hussein Ahmed, VP Government and International Affairs; James Hogan, President and Chief Executive Officer; Khaled Al Mehairbi, SVP Government and Aeropolitical Affairs; Hasan Al Hammadi, SVP Executive Affairs; with members of the airline’s cabin crew, in front of Etihad Airways’ first A380.