Flight test:Etihad Airways pearl class
Flight test:Etihad Airways pearl class

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The Sydney Morning Herald

The Sydney Morning Herald

Traveller
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This was published14years ago

Flight test:Etihad Airways pearl class

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AirlineEtihad Airways.

RouteSydney to Amman via Abu Dhabi.

Aircraft Sydney-Abu Dhabi on Airbus A340-600. Abu Dhabi-Amman on A320-200.

ClassPearl (business) 19D and Coral (economy) 20F.

Seat pitch and width88 inches between rows of seats in pearl class;20 inches between armrests,reclining into a dead-flat 72.8 inch bed.

Seat configurationStaggered seating means unimpeded access for all 32 seats in pearl class,privacy for singles and couples can hold hands. If solo,the pick are the tucked-away window seats.

Luggage30 kilograms checked-in,two carry-on pieces in pearl class;20 kilograms,one carry-on piece in coral class.

Scheduled flight timeSydney to Abu Dhabi in 14hr 25min,a 1hr 40min airport wait,then to Amman in 3hr. Performance is spot on and connections are seamless,which means you'll be in the heart of the Middle East in about 19 hours.

Lounge accessThe pearl class lounge in Abu Dhabi terminal 3 is comfortable and clubby:dark wood,mint-green leather sofas,a library. A complimentary express massage in the Six Senses spa is a treat,the children's room looks like a hoot and there's a good selection of Arabian mezze.

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ServiceProfessional and attentive. A personal introduction to all by the cabin manager,Alison,is a nice touch.

ComfortI like the seat's three massage options and the mood lighting,in which light colour and intensity is adjusted to the time and duration of the journey.

FoodAll dishes on the a la carte menu and the lighter"kitchen anytime"menu are available any time. This is a terrific innovation since my last Etihad flight a few years ago. The Arab-inspired meals are highlights:think chermoula beef salad and chicken and quince tagine. I like the good,strong coffee and the masala chai non-vintage tea,from a menu of 10 teas.

EntertainmentHuge choice of diversions shown on 38-centimetre screens on the long-haul flight. The full range is offered on in-seat screens in coral class on the short leg to Amman.

ConsoleEvery business and economy seat has an in-flight phone,two USB ports and an RCA socket for laptop connection.

Flight frequencyEtihad Airways flies Sydney to Abu Dhabi 11 times a week,seven from Melbourne and three from Brisbane.

Onlineetihadairways.com.

Tested by Helen Anderson,who flew courtesy of Etihad Airways.

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