Travel & Cruise Guides and Tips | Fine Travel New Zealand

Etihad Airways First Class and Business Class to the UK and Europe

Written by Fine Travel | 15/09/15 04:25

Etihad Airways Business Class has made a real impression on Fine Travel clients looking for an exceptional experience.  The Business Class stopovers have been a real attraction as well as the discounts on offer. 

 Why Fly with Etihad Airways?

  • Etihad is a premium airline with one of the most modern fleets in the world.
  • Flights to the UK and Europe from New Zealand are via Australia and Abu Dhabi.
    • Flight time to London from Sydney is approximately 25 hours
    • Business and First Class passengers enjoy complimentary 5 star stopovers in Abu Dhabi
  • Etihad offers an extensive network in the Middle East & Africa with more than 85 destinations included in the fare to Europe.
  • Etihad was named “The World’s Leading Airline” for 6 consecutive years at the World Travel Awards. 
  • Etihad is an Air New Zealand Airpoints partner.
  • Corporate fares are available if you are travelling for business. 

Etihad Business Class from New Zealand

Etihad Business Class flights to the UK and Europe are via Australia to Abu Dhabi (the trans-Tasman flights are included in the advertised airfare).

From Sydney, Etihad operate a new A380 daily and a Boeing 777 four times per week. A Dreamliner operates on the Brisbane route with Boeing 777’s twice daily from Melbourne and a daily A330 from Perth.  

Business class passengers are offered the option of a free stopover comprising a night’s accommodation (in each direction) in Abu Dhabi at a 5 star hotel. You have a choice as to your hotel rather than having this solely determined by the airline.  This is booked in advance with your Fine Travel consultant.  Additional nights and sightseeing tours can also be booked at very competitive rates.

Etihad Business Class Seats

All Etihad Business Class seats are fully flat with aisle access from every seat.  The A380 and Dreamliner are fitted with Etihad’s new Business Studio.  Etihad offer full size pillow, mattress and comforter as well as pyjamas.  Business Class passengers can dine any time onboard by ordering from an a la carte menu.

The Business Class Experience

Etihad lounges offer 5 star fine dining, spa treatments and a room staffed by trained nannies for children.  This is all included in the lounge experience at no extra cost.  (Space constraints prevent the spa and children’s room being offered in the Sydney lounge)

Etihad longhaul flights offer a trained Flying Nanny to assist with children.  Read our blog here.

The Etihad chauffeur is offered at most Etihad destinations.  Mileages vary according to destination but, as an example, 100 miles on arrival and on departure is included in London with 100 kilometres each way included in Paris.  The Etihad chauffeur will take you anywhere in the UAE.

Etihad First Class – The Residence

The Residence offers the only 3 room apartment (living area, bedroom, bathroom) in the skies and comes with a Concierge and Savoy Hotel trained butler as well as a personal chef.  It takes a maximum of 2 people. 

The Residence is at the front of the A380 – top deck and available between Sydney, Abu Dhabi and London.  It is available daily in the evening from Sydney to Abu Dhabi and twice daily between Abu Dhabi and London. 

An Etihad first class passenger is always offered two free nights’ accommodation (in each direction) in Abu Dhabi at a 5 star hotel should they choose to stop.  This is booked in advance.  Additional nights and sightseeing tours can also be booked at very competitive rates.

Etihad First Class – Apartments and Suites

Etihad offer new, award winning first class product.  The 777 and Dreamliner are fitted with first class suites while the A380 offers the First Class Apartment.  There is more than enough room for a companion to join the guest for dinner while the apartment is capable of hosting one or two more extras for a meeting. Apartments and Suites may be interconnected for couples.  Onboard chefs are employed from top restaurants around the world and guests enjoy fine dining with meals ordered and cooked as per the guest’s individual request.

An Etihad first class passenger is always offered two free nights’ accommodation (in each direction) in Abu Dhabi at a 5 star hotel should they choose to stop.  This is booked in advance.  Additional nights and sightseeing tours can also be booked at very competitive rates.