Etihad Airways unveils new luxury-hotel style cabins

Called ‘The Residence,’ Etihad has transformed part of its A380 upper deck into a luxurious flying hotel suite that offers a trio of compartments including a living room space, bedroom and en-suite bathroom, complete with shower.

A personal ‘Jeeves,’ trained at the Savoy Butler Academy in London, is also on hand to cater to guest whims, while a concierge team will look after passengers’ travel experience from ground transport to cuisine and amenities.

One rung down from The Residence is the airline’s First Apartment class, private suites that come with reclining armchairs and full-length beds, as well as a chilled minibar and personal vanity unit and wardrobe. The same concept is also available on the airline’s B787 aircraft, pitched as First Suites.

Meanwhile Qatar Airways is expected to launch later this month a new all-business class flight from Doha to London that will accommodate 40 passengers on a single-aisle A319.