Retro Review: Etihad A340 Business Class, London-Abu Dhabi

Etihad business class, London to Abu Dhabi

Flight: EY18
Departure time in London (LHR): 21:10
Arrival time in Abu Dhabi (AUH): 7:15 (+1)
Aircraft: Airbus A340-500
Seat: 10D
Duration: 6h 5m
Date of flight: September 25, 2013
* This is an award ticket, Business Class flight #32

Well, this is it! I have been longing to fly business class on Etihad for quite sometime now since I have already tested the other two Gulf Carriers before: Emirates last September and Qatar Airways for the past years. As expected, this flight gave me an opportunity to see how it competes with other airlines basing it on the service, business class seats features and the overall experience.

Etihad Airways Lounge, London Heathrow T4

For a separate review of this simple yet elegant lounge, please click here.

Aircraft, Airbus A340-500

Before boarding, I was able to take a picture of the Airbus 340-500 which would fly us to Abu Dhabi that night. Abu Dhabi was the first city I have been to outside of the Philippines so it actually has a special place in my heart 😉

Boarding, Gate 10

Etihad is known to board their premium passengers really early (about an hour before) so when we came onboard, most of the first and business class passengers were already there.

Business Class Cabin

After everyone has boarded, I couldn't see any empty seat (the cabin has 28 seats) so this was definitely a full flight. Chatting with Bianca, the Filipina flight attendant who took care of our side of the cabin, I learned that the first class cabin was also full. That's the way to do it, Etihad 😍

Seat 10D

My "Pearl Business" seat 10D was an aisle on a "divorced seat".

In case you are wondering how a "lovers seat" looks like, here it is!

The 15-inch entertainment screen is in par with other airlines offering.

The blanket and eyeshades plus socks were already placed on the foot rest when I came to my seat.

The seat control which offers lots of mode to choose from. And of course, the massage function!

The noise-cancelling headset was okay but I thought the entertainment control was not that user friendly. Just before leaving the aircraft, I had the opportunity to check out the First Class cabin (with the help of Bianca of course) and I was told that the headphones for first passengers were really of high quality. I guess I have to aim flying in first class next time to find out if it is true 😉

Hot Towel & Pre-departure Beverage

As soon as I settled in to my seat, hot towels were distributed.

After a few minutes, Shayne, the Food and Beverage Manager came to my seat and introduced himself and then took my order for the pre-departure drink. This time, it was a glass of Lanson Black Label Brut NV 👍

Amenity Kit

I also got the amenity kit which consisted of a raw cotton product pouch, Korres skin care products, a dental kit, an earplug and a care kit with cotton buds, pads and emery board.

Dining

Menu card

About a few minutes after take off, the seat belt sign was turned off and the crew sprung into action, starting with them taking the orders for the dinner service.

Dinner

But just before the service, I was served a glass of carrot juice and a bowl of mixed nuts which I had previously ordered from Shayne.

Starter

Arabic Mezze, a selection of Middle Eastern hot and Cold appetizers

For starters, I thought I ordered the sweet corn soup with cream but when Shayne came, he had this plate of Arabic mezze served to me and then left without saying anything. Well, the positive side was it actually tasted superb and that I could have actually liked it more than If I had received the soup.

Aside from the mezze and soup, there was also the "Buffalo mozzarella with lime marinated figs, fennel and balsamic reduction".

Main

Medley of seafood, prawns, scallops, Salmon and halibut with saffron sauce, turned steamed potatoes and leeks 😋

As for my main course, I chose the Medley of seafood. I am not a big fan of saffron but I still thought the dish was excellent.

The other choices were "Baked chicken breast stuffed with brioche and celery, with vegetables, rosemary new potatoes and jus", "Arabic lamb ragout with aromatic spiced couscous and ratatouille", and "Vegetable cannelloni with roasted cherry tomatoes, basil and Parmesan".

Dessert

Seasonal fresh fruit with saffron syrup

Other choices:

Warm date and fig pudding with cream
Passion fruit and mascarpone mousse with raspberry  coulis
A selection of ice Cream flavours

Kitchen Anytime

Chicken sandwich, red pepper, courgettes and mustard mayonnaise
A selection of international cheeses
A selection of ice cream flavours
Potato crisps - selection of flavours
Baked cookies and mMadeleines
Swedish crisp breads
Arabic baklava

Lavatory

The toilet and lavatory was always kept clean. They also have some Korres hand cream and face mist which I loved.

Turndown Service

With 6 ft 1 inch flat bed on a privacy shell, I was able to get a decent amount of sleep during the flight.

Ala Carte Breakfast

A selection of breads and pastries
Mango-coconut smoothie
A range of breakfast cereals with full-Cream or low-fat milk
Toasted English muffin with scrambled eggs, spinach and mushrooms
Natural yoghurt with granola and berries
Seasonal fresh fruit with saffron syrup

Arrival in Abu Dhabi Airport

Etihad first class cabin on the A340 👍

Well, not just yet. I told you I was informed by Bianca earlier that as soon as the First class passengers have left, she would tour me around the first class cabin and show me its features. Well, it was actually very tempting and the closed doors reminded me of Emirates' private suites. So which one is better? I really hope to fly this class soon enough so I could answer this question 😉

CONCLUSION

From the lounge experience until the time I was leaving the aircraft, I have to say I was really impressed. The food tasted excellent, the service was top notch and of course the overall experience was definitely a memorable one. If I were to compare this with my business class flight on Emirates from Bangkok to Dubai earlier this month, I would say Emirates is the winner but only with a very slight margin. Till next time! Shukran Etihad 😍