(25 August 2009)
Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates, has introduced its highly anticipated new first class suite into service between Abu Dhabi and London Heathrow. The airline’s brand new Airbus A340-600 will feature the suite, thus marking a new era in luxury air travel.
The new private suite, unveiled at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai in May 2009, is considered the most luxurious commercial airline suite in the world today, boasting a leather seat fully upholstered by the world renowned furniture maker, Poltrona Frau of Italy, through a close collaboration between PF Emirates (the joint venture between Mubadala and the Poltrona Frau Group), and Etihad Airways.
25 August 2009 - PF Emirates, a joint venture between Mubadala and the Poltrona Frau Group, announced today that Etihad’s new first class suite will be available on Etihad’s brand new Airbus A340-600, which will make its maiden flight between Abu Dhabi and London Heathrow tomorrow. The suite features a luxurious seat designed and upholstered by the premium Italian furniture maker Poltrona Frau, and offers its first class passengers a seat that is best in class in terms of luxury, quality, comfort and style.
This is an important achievement for PF Emirates, and it highlights the depth of offering from this joint venture, and the positive impact the venture can have on the various projects under development in Abu Dhabi, whether on the ground or in the air.
PF Emirates was founded through a joint agreement between Mubadala and the Poltrona Frau Group in April 2007, with the main objective being to significantly enhance the interior design landscape of Abu Dhabi and the UAE.
“I am very proud that Poltrona Frau, through PF Emirates, was chosen by Etihad as a strategic partner for this program,” commented Matteo di Montezemolo, Vice Chairman of the Poltrona Frau Group. “It confirms what we have always known about Abu Dhabi and its leadership: that they are completely determined to create projects and products that are simply of the highest standard in the world.”
“In developing this new first class suite, we were determined to incorporate the best design, materials, craftsmanship and technology available in the world, and when it comes to leather upholstery, Poltrona Frau is second to none, and was a natural choice for us,” confirmed Peter Baumgartner, Etihad’s Chief Commercial Officer.
“Etihad Airways has a clear mission to become the best airline in the world, and working with best in class partners such as Poltrona Frau is a clear testament to their commitment towards achieving this mission,” commented Ossama Khoreibi, Chairman of PF Emirates. ‘’This is a mission PF Emirates shares with Etihad, and one we are proud to be a part of.”