Review: Etihad Airways, Pearl Zone

It is hard to believe that, since its inaugural short hop to Al Ain on November 5, 2003, Etihad Airways now possesses an ever-growing fleet of 37 aircraft and flies to 45 destinations around the globe. AME Info flew to London Heathrow on one of its spanking new Airbus A340-600s.

Limo is the way to go

Etihad's most immediate market is, of course, its local one in the UAE's capital city but with Abu Dhabi being less than a couple of hours drive away from virtually all of the country's main conurbations, it is an option for those residing in the likes of Dubai and even Sharjah.

Indeed, its highly comfortable limousine service takes the hassle out of getting to the airport and for AME Info, departing on an early morning flight, it took a little over an hour to get from Bur Dubai to the dedicated Pearl Zone check-in area at Abu Dhabi International Airport (ADIA).

If you do get stuck in traffic, and let's be honest, you might, it is some notable consolation to be sitting in the back of a Mercedes S-Class, whether you are gridlocked on Sheikh Zayed Road or alternatively in the backstreets of North West London. But if you pick the right flight, at the right time of the day, you will be at ADIA before you know it.

Record-breaking check-in

One of the highlights of this trip just had to be the impressive speed of the check-in service at Abu Dhabi. For business travellers needing to get through to Departures quickly to catch up with some urgent work, this is a real boon.

It actually took less than ten minutes to proceed from security, via the premium zone check-in desk and passport control prior to Departures, to being greeted in Etihad Airways' business class lounge. This is how negotiating your way through an airport would be in your dreams.

The Etihad Premium Lounge offers the amenities you might expect, from hot and cold snacks and a wide range of beverages to high-speed Internet access, all within a very modern and tastefully designed environment.

But the lounge, even in the early hours, was fairly busy and it took a little while to find a really relaxing place to unwind - in a hidden away darkened nook. The four state-of-the-art work stations were also in constant demand, despite the lateness of the hour, and, as part of the lounge appears to be a designated smoking area, non-smokers might find their seating options slightly more limited.

At Heathrow, Etihad utilises SAS' London Lounge which is spread over two levels and once again offers all the services you'd expect. This lounge provides a large number of work stations and is definitely geared up for the business traveller. Its ample size also allows for stacks of seating as well as a TV room, a quiet room and a children's play room. It is definitely a very good option at an often overcrowded and chaotic airport.

Pleasurable Pearl

Etihad's Pearl Zone is a very well designed, innovative cabin offering a generous 1-2-1 seat configuration which compares with Virgin Atlantic for example. The aquamarine fabrics and pearl motifs on the front and back walls may not be to everyone's taste perhaps, although the ambient lighting and delightful 'night sky' effect on the ceiling are unquestionably impressive and cutting edge.

At first glance, some of the seats may look slightly cramped but appearances can definitely be deceiving. Etihad, like Virgin, offers direct aisle access from every seat so there is no clambering over sleeping neighbours and, from a privacy point of view, Etihad simply cannot be beaten. AME Info would recommend getting a window seat as you can literally hide yourself away from your fellow passengers if you so desire.

Etihad's seats recently scooped the 'world's leading flatbed seat' for the second straight year at the World Travel Awards - and it is easy to see why. The bed reclines a full 180 degrees, the benchmark for any quality business class seat, and it extends more than six feet providing significant body support to even the gangliest of business executives. Getting to sleep on such a bed will not be a problem.

AME Info took particular pleasure in the seat's built-in vibrating massage function which, be warned, really hits the spot and can also be directed at specific parts of your body. It was certainly a novel experience to be enjoying an invigorating massage as the plane made its descent into Abu Dhabi.

Unsurprisingly, Etihad's in-flight entertainment was just as impressive, offering more than 300 CDs, 88 movies and 93 TV channels. The length of flight between London and Abu Dhabi allows for a leisurely viewing of at least two films as well as plenty of time to rest your eyes afterwards.

Food is also of a high standard and the lamb tagine followed by raisin cheesecake were both very palatable - and as for being served a mini tub of Haagen Dazs ice cream while watching a movie, well that was exactly what was required. Service was also polite without being overbearing.

From door to door, Etihad Airways offers an impressively strong business class experience which certainly lives up to the hype. It may be the new kid on the block but there is absolutely no doubt that its Pearl Zone ranks right alongside the very best business products available in the Gulf.

See also:
Review: KLM, World Business Class
Review: Virgin Atlantic, Upper Class