Review: Etihad Airways A380 Business Class

There are many options to travel East from Europe. Emirate companies are definitely interesting when it comes to business class trips, like Emirates or Qatar Airways. Let’s do the focus on the latest offer onboard Etihad Airways A380 aircraft, flying from Paris to Abu Dhabi.

Etihad Airways is probably not as popular as Emirates, but it has for sure the same world class service and premium product offer. They acquired 10 A380 aircrafts that are called today the “most luxurious today planes in the market”. You may already heard about The Residence cabin – equivalent to first class – did you ever have a look at their stunning business class? Very affordable, and probably one of the best service in the world. Details below regarding a Paris -> Abu Dhabi flight.

Check-in

My check-in was very smooth. Actually I had printed my boarding pass before going to the airport, so I could skip the physical check-in step since I traveled with a cabin luggage only.

Anyway, I can precise that Etihad Airways has a dedicated space in Paris CDG terminal 2C, with – of course – special lines for business and first class passengers. Not very luxurious though, I could expect more from such company for a premium travel location like Paris.

Airport Lounge

Located next to Prada store in CDG Terminal 2C, the Etihad Airways First & Business Class lounge is up to the brand image. Separate from the crowd at a upper floor, near Cathay Pacific and American Airlines ones, this lounge is large and uses the latest company design.

Wooden touches, fine leather, gold and pastel colors, everything has been design to make premium travelers comfortable and relaxed. Together with a not-so-large but delicious catering, the feeling of exclusiveness is maximum.

Boarding & Cabin Experience

I boarded ahead of time through autonomous gantries, probably 5 to 10 minutes before Economy passengers. It was fast and smooth ; I arrived to my seat at the A380’s upper floor in a flash.

Etihad Airways Business Class cabin is surprising. Interior design is based on dark and wooden colors, which I like and makes the 1-2-1 configuration very exclusive and modern. On top of that, a cozy lounge space is available at the front of the cabin, perfect for casual or business discussions.

One note regarding this business class cabin : half of the seats are actually upside down, facing the rear! Some people love it, some hate it so whatever you select it online or at the check-in counter, be careful :)

Catering

Middle-East at its best : I experienced a lunch menu during that flight and that was delightful. With a selection of French and Oriental dishes on that route, all tastes are satisfied and in case you are not, you can request a special order – for free – online.

Served at the plate, my only complain comes from the waiting time : I had to wait for 25 minutes between starter and main dish. To be honest, it was probably due to the few turbulences we had.

Conclusion

I must say that for the paid price, this company is truly amazing. Service quality is super high, the cabin is great and ground services are top-notch. With such affordable tickets, it was the best choice ever to travel from Paris to Thailand with a 2-night stopover in Abu Dhabi!

Gallery

Etihad Airways EY032
Paris (CDG) – Abu Dhabi (AUH)
Sunday, August 18th 2019
Departure: 10:10AM
Arrival: 7:55PM
Duration: 06hr45min
Aircraft: Airbus A380-800
Seat: 09H (Business Class)

Etihad Airways – Book