A Mixed Bag

Check In/The Lounge

I checked in at Abu Dhabi’s international airport usinga sophisticated, designated business and first-class check-in hall and walked ten minutes to the airline’s Premium Lounge, which has to be one of the best we’ve encountered. There’s a concierge that actually fixes problems, a stand-up bar that mixes a mean martini, a Six Senses Spa that offers complimentary 15-minute treatments, shower suites and a barber shop, and an extensive hot and cold buffet. Even when full the lounge is spacious, elegant, and welcoming.

The Cabin

Unfortunately, things take a small step down once weboard the A330, the business class cabin of which seems impossibly cluttered, ill-designed, and rather weathered. While most airlines try to use every square inch as efficiently as possible, the Etihad A330 business class product looks like it’s been repurposed rather than specifically designed for the aircraft and at every turn there’s negative space. With the staggered 1-2-1 configuration, seat selection requires some careful consideration so be sure to select yours well in advance of travel.

The Seat

The 185-centimetre-long lie-flat Solstys-style seats arecomfortable but offer little in the way of privacy, especially those window seats with armrests against the fuselage, which have virtually nothing between passenger and aisle, ensuring plenty of spilt champagne and a sore shoulder but the end of the journey. In addition, there’s almost no storage space; there’s an odd panel-styled light fixture (which is very obtrusive to other passengers) at shoulder level, and a built-in magazine holder above a small drinks shelf, with room for very small items under the armrest. There’s a 15-inch monitor built into the seatback in front, below which the tray table is awkwardly bolted. For connectivity, there are USB and AC ports at foot level, with a headphone jack and additional ports hidden under the armrest. While the seat isn’t our favourite, it’s perfectly adequate for medium-haul flights like Abu Dhabi to Hong Kong.

Dining

I’m greeted by a charming cabin manager in a spotless white jacket, who offers me a glass of Piper-Heidsieck champagne, a hot towel, and a menu (though no amenity kit). It’s a late-night flight and many passengers had dined in the lounge so that they can sleep as much as possible. I order the Arabic mezze platter, followed by dill poached prawns with sesame red cabbage; and a beef tenderloin with roast potatoes, baby carrots and a shiitake mushroom sauce, which I pair with a New Zealand pinot noir from Otago. For breakfast I choose natural yoghurt with cranberry, sunflower and flax seeds; and a seeded laugen roll with smoked salmon and crème fraiche, which is the perfect snack for an early arrival.

Service

Etihad has made a name for itself with its world-class service and while its A330 product might not be its best offering, the service on the Abu Dhabi-Hong Kong flight is top notch. The crew is friendly, welcoming, attentive and efficient, serving drinks and dinner quickly after takeoff, and ensuring guests could dine and sleep and are always on hand throughout the flight. www.ethihad.com

By Nick Walton