Etihad Airways continues to redefine ultra-premium air travel with The Residence, its most exclusive first class suite. During our latest visit to Etihad’s flagship launch event in Abu Dhabi, we experienced firsthand the extraordinary privacy, comfort, and bespoke service that set The Residence apart. Here, we present an exclusive new gallery offering a detailed look inside this singular flying apartment.
The Residence: A New Benchmark in Private Air Travel
Designed as a private three-room suite, The Residence features a spacious lounge and dining area, a dedicated bedroom, and a luxurious en-suite bathroom complete with a shower. Available for single travelers or couples, this suite is the only one of its kind in commercial aviation.
Upon entering, guests are welcomed into the lounge, which features an elegant Poltrona Frau leather sofa in a warm beige palette—the same fine Italian leather found in Ferrari interiors.
Relaxation and Entertainment in the Living Room
The lounge area includes a plush ottoman and a generously sized 32-inch television, offering both on-demand entertainment and live TV. The space is thoughtfully arranged for both relaxation and in-suite dining, with a fold-out table ready for gourmet meals at 40,000 feet.
Elegant Dining Above the Clouds
Meals are served on custom porcelain, and guests can pre-order virtually any dish or beverage through Etihad’s dedicated VIP Concierge prior to departure. Onboard, a curated first class menu is available, and the culinary team strives to accommodate bespoke requests with the freshest ingredients loaded for each journey.
A private mini bar is also at your disposal, stocked with premium chilled beverages for your convenience.
Personalized Menus Tailored to Your Preferences
The Residence offers a dynamic dining experience, with sample menus featuring international and regional specialties. Every detail is customized, from the amuse-bouche to the signature desserts.
Service Excellence: The Savoy-Accredited Butler
Each Residence guest is attended exclusively by a personal butler, trained at the prestigious Savoy Butler Academy in London. These professionals, many of whom have backgrounds in luxury hospitality, ensure a seamless and discreet service experience from pre-flight to arrival. The butler is the sole point of contact for guests in The Residence, maintaining the utmost privacy and exclusivity.
Butlers wear uniforms designed by renowned Italian designer Ettore Bilotta, echoing the sophistication of the suite itself.
Advanced In-Suite Technology
Opposite the sofa, the 32-inch TV offers HDMI, USB, and universal power outlets for effortless connectivity. All suite features—from lighting and window shades to seat positioning and massage functions—are controlled via an intuitive touchscreen remote, allowing guests to personalize every detail of their environment.
Ample Storage and Thoughtful Design
Continuing past the lounge, a discreet corridor leads to the private bedroom, with the en-suite bathroom positioned to the left behind a separate door.
Indulgent Bathroom with Unlimited Shower Time
The Residence’s bathroom is equipped with a spacious vanity, illuminated mirrors, a full shower, and a private lavatory. Unlike other first class showers, Etihad’s advanced water recycling system allows guests to enjoy extended shower time without limitations—an innovation unique to The Residence.
Guests can request personalized amenities via the VIP Concierge, ensuring their preferred skincare and fragrance products are waiting upon boarding.
Serene Bedroom Retreat
At the end of the corridor, the bedroom awaits with a full-size double bed (measuring 208 cm in length), upholstered in Poltrona Frau leather and dressed in premium linens for restful sleep.
Private In-Bedroom Entertainment
Facing the bed, a 27-inch LCD television provides an additional screen for in-flight entertainment. The Airbus A380 features the latest Panasonic eX3 entertainment system, which is fully interactive and controlled via a dedicated touchscreen remote, displaying the entire content library at your fingertips.
Ultimate Comfort: A Sanctuary Above the Clouds
Every detail, from the plush mattress to the ambient lighting, is designed to create a tranquil sanctuary for rest and relaxation during your journey.
Exclusive Availability on the A380 Fleet
The Residence is available exclusively on Etihad’s Airbus A380 aircraft, with one suite per plane located at the front of the upper deck. The flagship route remains Abu Dhabi to London, offering discerning travelers a truly unparalleled flying experience.
