CRUISING TOWARDS PERFECTION

Etihad Airways’ first-class passengers now have more reasons to check in earlier at Abu Dhabi International Airport.

e want to be the world’s best airline,” says Stephen Mahoney, head of corporate communications Australia and Asia at Etihad Airways, with a hint of determination and confidence. How apt it must have been, considering that Skytrax named the national carrier of United Arab Emirates the World’s Best First Class Airline this year.

If there were a split second’s doubt as to why Etihad deserved the award, it would have disappeared the minute I boarded the flight at Singapore Changi Airport. I was ushered into the first class cabin and served a cup of speciality Arabic coffee to go along with a trio of dried dates.

The journey from Singapore to Abu Dhabi proved to be nothing short of perfect.

Of course, nothing beats having the home ground advantage.

What this translates to is a dedicated terminal for Etihad at Abu Dhabi International Airport, which houses its flagship First Class Lounge & Spa.

Resembling a private members’ club, the 1,600sqm First Class Lounge & Spa in