Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - Since the unveiling of its revolutionary new Diamond zone seat at the end of June, demand from Etihad Airways Guests has been immense with bookings doubling between July and September.
The seat, which is featured on Etihad's purpose-built Airbus A340-500, sets new industry benchmarks due to it being able to rotate 180 degrees, enabling Guests to hold meetings, dine and converse with one another.
"The demand for our new Diamond zone seat has been breathtaking, but understandable because it is so revolutionary and offers something that no other premium zone seat can," said James Hogan, Etihad's new CEO.
"Etihad has redefined air travel by allowing Guests, whether travelling in business groups, as a family or with friends, to relax and socialise as much as they want thanks to the unique capabilities of the Diamond zone seat."
Within the Diamond zone there is also a lounge area where Guests can conduct a formal meeting or enjoy refreshments with one another, all within the Diamond zone's luxury surroundings.
Etihad currently operate the A340-500 on its flights to Paris and London Heathrow, and Guests on the Abu Dhabi-based airline's forthcoming New York route will soon be able to enjoy the delights of the Diamond zone.
Launching on 26 October, New York will be Etihad's 35th international destination with a daily flight between Abu Dhabi International Airport and Terminal 4 at New York's JFK Airport.
Each Diamond seat is fitted with a privacy shell, and has direct access to the aisles, allowing Guests to move freely around the aircraft with the maximum ease and convenience.
The seat features a six-way movement headrest with built-in massage facility, and for Guests wishing to stretch out and relax on the flight, each of the state of the art seats also reclines into a luxurious 6 feet 8 inch flat bed at the touch of a button.
The A340-500 aircraft is configured with two aisles and can carry 240 Guests with 12 in the Diamond zone, 28 in Pearl zone and 200 in Coral zone.
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About Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways, the National Airline of the United Arab Emirates, is the world's leading new airline and currently offers flights for Guests and cargo to 45 destinations in the Middle East, Europe, North America, Africa and Asia.
Etihad Crystal Cargo www.crystalcargo.ae offers a comprehensive range of cargo services throughout Etihad's network, and services its many all-cargo destinations and world-wide charters with a fleet of modern regional freighter aircraft.
Etihad Holidays www.etihadholidays.com offers a range of innovative holiday options in 82 destinations including skiing, fly-drives, cruises, tours, stopovers, inbound programmes and city breaks.
Through these exciting divisions, Etihad Airways is changing the way people see the world.
Etihad Airways has been awarded the titles of the world's leading new airline in 2004, 2005 and 2006, and the world's leading flat-bed seat in 2006 by the World Travel Awards.
For more information about this award-winning aviation group, please visit www.etihadairways.com.
© Press Release 2006
