Etihad Airways is now introducing its new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft on daily flights between Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Beirut, Lebanon. This aircraft replaces the Airbus A321, which previously operated the airline’s EY535/EY538 flights to and from Beirut.
Etihad Airways Executive Vice President for Commercial Mohammad Al Bulooki said in a written release that Beirut was the airline’s first international destination, which launched in 2003. Because of this, he said “it is fitting that [they] introduce the state-of-the-art 787 Dreamliner to this key market today.”
The Boeing 787-9 introduces the airline’s next-generation business and economy class cabins and holds 299 seats – 28 Business Studios and 271 economy Smart Seats.
In the release, Al Bulooki added that the new aircraft provides 125 more seats per flight with 4,186 weekly seats now being offered in both directions. He feels that this “reflects the strong demand to Lebanon from Abu Dhabi and the entire UAE, where a large Lebanese expatriate community resides,” as written in the release.
This aircraft is the “backbone” of the airline’s modern fleet, as it has innovative, award-winning cabin designs and products. Beirut flights also now include a Norland-approved Flying Nanny in the economy section in order to provide “extra special care” for families with young children. In addition, the economy class includes a “fixed wing” headrest, adjustable lumbar support, a seat width of approximately 19 inches and an 11.1-inch personal television monitor on each seat.
The business class section offers flyers direct aisle access, a fully-flat bed that is 80.5 inches long, an increase of 20 perfect in personal space, upholstered Poltrona Frau Leather seats, an in-seat massage and pneumatic cushion control system which allows guests to adjust firmness and comfort in their seat, an 18-inch person touch-screen television with noise-cancelling headsets, mobile connectivity, on-board WiFi and seven satellite channels of live television.
The Boeing 787-9 has enhanced humidity controls while air pressure levels are set to “ensure a smoother flight” and “allowing guests to arrive feeling fresher,” the press release said. There are also over 750 hours of movies and programs along with hundreds of music choices and a selection of both children and adult games provided by the aircraft’s in-flight entertainment system.
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