Etihad introduces Boeing 787 between Abu dhabi, Beirut

ABU DHABI: Etihad Airways yesterday introduced the Boeing 787-9 on its scheduled daily service from Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), to Beirut, Lebanon.

The new 787 Dreamliner service replaces the Airbus A321 aircraft previously operating the airline’s EY535/EY538 flights to and from the Lebanese capital. The Boeing 7879 features Etihad Airways’ next-generation Business and Economy Class cabins and is configured with 299 seats - 28 Business Studios and 271 Economy Smart Seats.

Mohammad Al-Bulooki, Etihad Airways Executive Vice President Commercial, said: “Beirut was the first international destination served by Etihad Airways in 2003 and it is fitting that we introduce the state-ofthe-art 787 Dreamliner to this key market today. “The new two-class 787-9 provides an increase of 125 seats per flight, with 4,186 weekly seats now offered in both directions. This reflects the strong demand to Lebanon from Abu Dhabi and the entire UAE, where a large Lebanese expatriate community resides.

“Additionally, a significant proportion of our customers travelling to Lebanon originate in Australia, home to a considerable Lebanese Australian community, with the vast majority based in the Sydney area. They can now enjoy an upgraded, seamless flying experience, connecting from A380 services via Abu Dhabi onto 787 Dreamliners onwards to Beirut.”

The Boeing 787 is the backbone of Etihad Airways’ modern fleet of aircraft, boasting innovative, award-winning cabin designs and products, complemented by the airline’s acclaimed service and hospitality offering, which on Beirut flights now includes a Norland approved Flying Nanny in Economy Class to provide extra specialised care for families with young children. The Business Studios offer direct aisle access, a fully-flat bed of up to 80.5 inches in length, and an increase of 20 per cent in personal space. Upholstered in fine Poltrona Frau Leather, the Business Studio is equipped with an in-seat massage and pneumatic cushion control system which enables guests to adjust the firmness and comfort of their seat. Each Business Studio has an 18-inch personal touch-screen TV with noise-cancelling headsets. Guests can also enjoy mobile connectivity, onboard Wi-Fi and seven satellite channels of live TV.