@EtihadAirways EY unveil their A380 (the residence) apartments

[k_sheep]

Just because you a rich, doesn't mean that you own a private jet. I also see some (large) companies perhaps putting potential clients on this service as a way to wow them..

No but you have the funds to hire one. I believe this is an incredibly common practice amongst the high rollers.

 

[markis10]

No but you have the funds to hire one. I believe this is an incredibly common practice amongst the high rollers.

It's very common practice amongst business, rich and not so rich aka fractional ownership.

 

[Flying Fox]

Didn't think about that, however should the problem arise I will get Shrek to sleep on the couch and I'll take the double bed

Oh so your telling me I'm headed towards another night sleeping in the couch again?

I'm also wondering what the amenity kits will be like?

 

[Buzzard]

I asked Etihad Australia last night when I can start a booking process for the Residence since we (2 Adult Australians) are flying to Jordan in January 2015.
The reply is pasted below:

Thanks for your query. We have not received any announcement on when the A380 Residence will be available from Sydney as of yet.

Although we have unveiled the products, we are still waiting for the dates on when the A380 will be operating in Australia.

You can check with us maybe at the end of the year and hopefully we have more information about availability and pricing for you.

I will continue to purchase Lottery tickets so I can have something to spend the great win on!.

What a fabulous first post Roxanne, welcome to AFF and I hope you win that lottery.

 

[Flying Fox]

And now EK has taken up the challenge to do even more/better -

Emirates to launch Airbus A380

The article has some very interesting facts, including -

A return flight between London and Abu Dhabi in The Residence will cost around $45,000 and covers up to two people travelling together.

Etihad began development on the new suites five years ago and used both Emirates and Singapore Airlines as their benchmark.

Now I'm feeling sorry for Qatar who only launched their A380 about a week or two earlier and everyone has already forgotten about them.

 

[dodgeyhack]

It seems like quite a good use of space.
Doesn't look like they're losing out on much usable F space, just the area to the side of the stairs.
Agree that the bed looks too small for two.

And what's with the shrieking? I hope there's good insulation in the walls of the residence.

 

[maninblack]

Now I'm feeling sorry for Qatar who only launched their A380 about a week or two earlier and everyone has already forgotten about them.

I don't feel in the slightest bit sorry for Qatar.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

It seems like quite a good use of space.
Doesn't look like they're losing out on much usable F space, just the area to the side of the stairs.
Agree that the bed looks too small for two.

And what's with the shrieking? I hope there's good insulation in the walls of the residence.

exactly this.

there probably isn't a need for two F WCs for 9 pax, so one is combined with the 'residence'. There is a lot of empty space in the forward upper deck lobes of the a380 as anyone who has flown TG will know. TG don't have a shower and the space is pretty pointless. So might as well stick a bed in there and sell it.

Pretty sure there will be discounting on the Residence just like SQ now sells its suites at a discount. perhaps a surcharge of x% over the standard double occupancy fare. seems quite reasonable.

would i want to sleep in a windowless room on a plane? that's another issue.

 

[boomy]

Etihad are advertising the Residence in Australia. The service starts in 2015 ex SYD.
The add from Herald Sun today

Who will be the first AFFer to try it out?

 

[Flying Fox]

I'd do it if AFF sponsors me

 

[Princess Fiona]

I'd do it if AFF sponsors me

Good luck with that

 

[bismarck]

Wouldn't have thought Hun readers were their target market!


Sent from my iPhone using AustFreqFly

 

[SeatBackForward]

Wouldn't have thought Hun readers were their target market!


Sent from my iPhone using AustFreqFly

But there are plenty of people with lots of money and no sense...

 

[Julesmac]

I spotted the robes, but what are the jimjams like? Bet they are a step up from the Q offering! Oh and isn't it good that Bob Carr has retired - he'd be just the Foreign Minister who'd be up for flying on this plane!

 

[Flying Fox]

Good luck with that

I can always dream

 

[NFF]

Did anyone here book a flight ?
Etihad's luxury The Residence is fully booked despite costing £12,500 one way | Daily Mail Online

 

[Flying Fox]

If anyone did, trip report please