One of the most pioneering airlines to come out of the Middle East, Etihad not only has a modern fleet and extensive network, but its dedication to infight service has ensured it remains a byword for refined air travel globally.

Check-In/The Lounge

I checked in online using Etihad’s very user-friendly app but had to deposit my bags at Hong Kong International. A rather surly third-party staff member checked me in, forgot my lounge pass, and neglected to ask if I had recently traveled to China in light of the Coronavirus outbreak, although I could hear her colleagues asking other passengers.

However, boarding pass in hand, I quickly passed through security, bound for the Hong Kong Airlines Club Bauhinia lounge near gate 25. At the gate, the stated boarding time of 5.30 pm came and went without comment and it wasn’t until 6 pm that the boarding process began, with passengers quickly boarding the two-class Boeing 787-9. Once on board, crew served glasses of Piper-Heidsieck Cuvee Brut champagne. Impressive levels of service were evident as soon as I sat down; there was a professional efficiency about the crew as we prepared for take-off, and afterwards, this turned into the genuine warmth.

The Seat

My window seat, 8A, on the port side of the aircraft, was one of 28 lie-flat business class seats, set in a 2-4-2 configuration that sees some seats facing aft and others facing forward. The “business studio” seat on the 787 is similar to those found on the airline’s A380 and is a symphony of curves and surfaces that at first look a little ungainly but quickly reveal themselves as intuitive.

The first thing you’ll notice is that there is plenty of surface area, which sets this 22-inch wide seat apart from many others and makes it very functional for people looking to work or keep essentials close at hand. The next thing the curious will find is a great storage space under one of these surfaces – the cubby hole at elbow level has a pair of Etihad’s headphones and a bottle of water inside but there’s also room for the stylish Acqua Di Parma amenity kit and a case for my headphones.

When you lift the hatch lid, you’ll also be able to easily access the headphone jack, which is located below the armrest. Located beside this jack is a space for an additional water bottle.

The seat itself is extremely comfortable and when combined with the small ottoman located beneath the 18.5-inch touchscreen monitor, makes for a very comfortable bed in the skies, especially when coupled with a nice, firm pillow and comfortable duvet. There’s also room for one’s shoes beneath the ottoman which is great when you have size 14 loafers like me.

Dining

The dinner service began with a well-mixed bourbon and soda and a bowl of warm nuts. What impressed me was how the crew replenished both when required, without being asked. The meal began with the choice of an Arabic mezze platter or char siu chicken. For mains, I went for beef with gratin potatoes, French beans, caramelised onions, and a garlic and rosemary jus. The beef was perfectly cooked and tender, and with the silky potatoes and onions was the perfect comfort dish for an evening flight. I opted to match my steak with a glass of Yabby Lake Red Claw Shiraz from Australia.

Afterwards, we were offered a choice of artisan cheeses and desserts including a warm chocolate fondant with vanilla sauce and a strawberry and rhubarb tart with vanilla ice cream. I decided to skip dessert in order to get some sleep and as we cruised over Thailand, I converted the seat into a bed and was quickly sound asleep.

Entertainment

The Etihad IFE system offers a comprehensive range of new release and classic flicks, as well as some great television shows, and through this and my subsequent three flights with the airline, I consistently found films to enjoy on the large personal monitor. Navigating the system is also easy thanks to the separate remote.

Service

Etihad’s world-class service levels were evident very early on in the flight and remained throughout. In the business class cabin, a young Serb named Milosh made wine selections and topped up drinks throughout the meal service and also ensured guests wanted for nothing throughout the evening. While having a nice seat and a new plane is great, it’s Etihad’s consistently excellent and intuitive service that really stands the airline apart from its Middle East competitors, and many of its Asian rivals for that matter.

Summary

We have flown with Etihad before and on those flights, the service levels were impeccable, even when the hardware was a little dated. Now, with the airline flying the 787 Dreamliner on the Hong Kong-Abu Dhabi route, business travelers are ensured world-class comfort.

A business class return flight from Hong Kong to Abu Dhabi costs from US$2,060 per person.

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