Etihad Airways has unveiled an economy transformation programme starting with the cabin upgrade and refurbishment of 23 narrow-body Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft.
The retrofit programme, which includes new personalised wireless streaming entertainment to smartphone and tablet devices, is scheduled for completion in August. The airline will also introduce a new economy dining concept on all its flights as part of a wider programme of enhancements to its inflight catering.
Cabin upgrade
The A320 and A321 aircraft are mainly used on short-haul regional services. The airline is installing refreshed cabins featuring ergonomic extra-spatial design seats by UK based Acro.
The new seats, which will maintain comfortable ‘living space’ in the seat area and provide increased knee room, are designed around the guest’s digital devices, with fast-charging USB points and an adjustable phone and tablet holder.
Wireless entertainment
Guests will be able to log on and connect via browser to wirelessly stream more than 300 hours of free inflight entertainment through Etihad’s on-board Panasonic eXW system directly to their own devices.
The first stage of enhancements to the economy experience began in 2017, with seating options such as Neighbour-Free Seats, Economy Space, and Preferred Seats introduced on the wide-body fleet.
Inflight entertainment via personal seat-back screens will remain standard in the economy cabins on the airline’s fleet of wide-body Airbus and Boeing aircraft.
All-new economy dining experience
Etihad has launched redesigned and enhanced dining on all its flights. On journeys of over three hours, the main course of the core complimentary dining service is now a larger, contemporary bistro-style meal which is higher in quality, with a focus on fresh seasonal ingredients and more destination-focused choices.
New cutlery is 85% lighter, reducing aircraft weight and fuel burn. Each year, the airline will also remove 27 million plastic lids, and other containers, supporting its drive toward greater sustainability and to reduce the use of single-use plastics by 80% by 2022.
In addition, the significantly expanded ‘Sweet or Salty’ retail menu complements the core dining service with offerings including a tapas box, hot dishes, and premium sweet and savoury snacks. The new retail service will be enhanced by partnerships with leading brands such as Bateel, Starbucks, Thorntons, Cawston Press, Heavenly, Perrier and Barebells.
