The UAE is home to two of the world’s most luxurious airlines – Emirates Airline and Etihad Airways. Both carriers have stellar reputations for luxury, innovation, and service excellence, particularly in their business class offerings.
Here is all you need to know about the business class offerings for Emirates and Etihad:
Cabin design and ambience
Emirates:
Emirates is renowned for its opulent and spacious cabin design, particularly on its flagship Airbus A380 aircraft. The business class offerings are available on both the A380 and the Boeing 777.
The business class cabin features a 1-2-1 layout, ensuring every passenger has direct aisle access. The cabin’s design emphasises luxury, with wood-finish accents and mood lighting that adjusts according to the time of day.
The A380’s upper deck is particularly notable for its onboard bar and lounge area, offering passengers a space to socialise during the flight with the option to indulge in drinks, canapés and more.
Etihad:
Etihad’s business class, branded as the “Business Studio,” exudes a contemporary aesthetic. The Business experience was designed in collaboration with designer Giorgio Armani and Armani/Casa.
The cabins, particularly on the A380 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner, are designed in a 1-2-1 layout.
Etihad’s cabins have a modern feel, with subtle lighting and ergonomic seats. Etihad offers a private lounge area for business class passengers on select flights.
Seat comfort and features
Emirates:
The Emirates business class seat reclines fully into a flatbed, offering a generous amount of space.
The seat controls are intuitive, and passengers can adjust their seat position, lumbar support, and even the ambient lighting around their seat. The A380 seats are slightly more spacious than those on the Boeing 777, but both offer ample comfort.
The bedding includes a mattress topper and soft blankets.
Additionally, Emirates provides a personal minibar at each seat.
Etihad:
Etihad’s Business Studio seats are designed to maximise space, with a fully flatbed that extends to a comfortable length.
The seat can be adjusted to various positions, from upright to fully flat, using an easy-to-use control panel.
The seat layout ensures privacy and Etihad’s bedding, includes pillows and blankets, offering comfort throughout long-haul flights.
The attention to detail in seat ergonomics and design makes Etihad’s offering appealing to those who prioritise functionality and comfort.
In-flight dining experience
Emirates:
Dining in Emirates business class is akin to a fine-dining restaurant, passengers can enjoy a multi-course gourmet meal with a choice of regionally inspired dishes, prepared with high-quality ingredients.
The menu changes regularly and includes options for various dietary preferences.
Emirates also offers a carefully curated wine list, featuring selections from renowned vineyards around the world.
The cabin crew ensure that each meal is served at the perfect temperature and time.
Etihad:
Etihad’s in-flight dining highlights personalised service. The “Dine Anytime” concept allows passengers to order their meals whenever they wish during the flight, offering flexibility especially on on long-haul journeys.
The menu is diverse, featuring both international cuisine and dishes inspired by the Middle East.
Etihad also has options that cater to various dietary needs.
The wine and beverage selection is extensive and the airline also offers an all-day dining menu with sandwiches and sweet treats.
In-flight entertainment and connectivity
Emirates:
Emirates’ ICE (Information, Communication, Entertainment) system is one of the most advanced in the industry, offering over 6,500 channels of entertainment, including movies, TV shows, music, games and Live TV.
The high-definition touch screens are responsive, and passengers can also control the system with a handheld remote.
In an update last year, Emirates announced free Wi-Fi for all Skywards passengers in every travel class.
Skywards members, whether Blue, Silver, Gold, or Platinum tier, travelling in any class, whether Economy, Premium Economy, Business or First Class will enjoy free app messaging.
Additionally, Skywards Gold and Silver members travelling business have free access to the internet throughout the flight. Skywards Platinum members get free Wi-Fi access across all cabin classes.
Etihad:
Etihad’s E-BOX entertainment system is comparable, with a wide selection of movies, TV shows, music, and interactive games.
The interface is user-friendly, and the touchscreen is responsive. While the content library is slightly smaller than Emirates, it still offers a diverse range of options.
Etihad provides in-flight Wi-Fi on most of its long-haul flights, with free access for a limited amount of data. The Wi-Fi service is reliable, though speeds can vary depending on the route and aircraft.
Airport lounge and ground services
Emirates:
Emirates’ business class passengers have access to the exclusive lounges at Dubai International Airport (DXB). The lounges are spacious and well-appointed, offering a range of amenities including gourmet dining, spa, shower facilities, quiet zones, and a business centre.
The lounge is accessible with biometric entry, facilitating a smooth and hassle-free experience.
Emirates also provides a complimentary chauffeur service to and from the airport in many cities, adding a layer of convenience to the overall travel experience.
Etihad:
Etihad’s business class lounges at Zayed International Airport (AUH) are luxurious, with a modern design and a range of amenities.
The lounge features an all-day dining restaurant, a roof lounge and constellation bar, shower facilities, games room, family room and a relaxation area.
Etihad also provides a chauffeur service for business class passengers.
Both airlines offer several other benefits throughout the flight including amenity kits and more. For travellers seeking a blend of luxury, comfort, and exceptional service, both Emirates and Etihad offer top-tier business class experiences.
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