Other Middle East and Africa Frequent Flyer Programs - Etihad to unveil premium lounge

Not sure if this was discussed here before, however according to this article (http://www.ameinfo.com/145723.html) :
"The first phase of the multi-million dollar Etihad Airways' premium lounge facility in Terminal One of the Abu Dhabi International Airport will be opened for passengers in mid-February. The redesigned and refurbished 855 square-metre lounge will be more than three times the size of the existing facility and will be able to accommodate up to 200 passengers at one time. The lounge will also feature an exclusive new area for first class customers as well as an improved business class lounge section."

Cheers.

Looking forward to hearing about how this 'first phase' turns out; the 'multimillion' part sounds promising if the money makes its way into the fixtures, amenities and design.

If the lounge is as well set up as our recent flight then it will be another step toward stealing Gulf Air's lunch, as well as its flyers from Europe to Australia. :)

Emirates would seem to be a poor choice from Sydney and I wish I was flying EY instead on our next trip, through the Dubai zoo.

Non-upgradable EK J tickets from SYD to Italy ('greetings from CMB' ones!) are not looking too hot!

I've not yet checked elsewhere but the designer has publicised the launch of the EY F Lounge.

Hopefully some of us will be in F and in the lounge fairly soon (:o or not...).

Zoomable photos / slideshow of the furniture and the room are in the article..

Etihad's premium lounge open (http://www.arabianbusiness.com/512544-etihads-premium-lounge-open) [ArabianBusiness.com]

International design agency Above Consultancy has revealed the first phase of its multi-million dollar refurbishment of the premium lounge for Etihad Airways in Abu Dhabi International Airport.

The opening of the First Class Lounge is the first part of the two-stage design process, with the second phase - a premium Business Class Lounge due to be opened in mid- March.

Lead designer Michelle Le Masurier outlined the design brief: "This was a real opportunity for us to put across a great brand image for Etihad, which is a new and important airline. So we wanted something contemporary and progressive but not too futuristic."

"There is a tendency with airline lounges to go for the futuristic look but the problem with this is that it ages quickly."

The lounge features furnishings sourced from Italy, Spain and the Netherlands, including leather products from Italian furniture designers Poltrona Frau. All were manufactured specifically for the lounge.

A relaxation zone with ergonomically designed beds, a TV area including individual viewing pods and a library completes the entertainment facilities.

...
The dining area also features a glass-clad show kitchen, which provides a theatrical focal point. A spa featuring Dornbracht's RainSky E showers is built from stone, coloured glass and Italian mosaic tiling.

At 855 m², the new facility is more than three times the size of the previous lounge and will be able to cater for up to 200 customers at a time. The same concept will be applied to the upcoming premium lounge in Abu Dhabi Airport's Terminal 3.

No mention of Gold and Silver Guest access for those not flying Diamond. But I'm keeping my fingers crossed....

https://www.etihadairways.com/etihadairways/global/en/experienceetihad/NewT1loungeisunderway.htm

"New, state-of-the-art flagship First class lounge in terminal 1 at Abu Dhabi airport is now open.

At 855 square metres, the new lounge will be more than three times the size of the current facility and able to cater for up to 200 customers at a time, with separate areas for first class and business class customers.

First class customers will be able to eat prior to their flight in a fine dining area, which offers a la carte and snack menus. All meals will be prepared in an ‘open kitchen’, accompanied by a range of new wines and beverages.

Other key features of the lounge include a TV ‘den’ area, a hi-tech computer and electronic games room, an airfield viewing deck and a ‘well-being’ class where customers will be able to enjoy a range of relaxing spa treatments. Interior design features luxurious furnishings from around the world, including leather products from Italian designers Poltrona Frau.

Key features of the First Class lounge:
• Five star fine dining
• Five star Spa facilities
• Individual movie viewing area
• Relaxation day beds
• Den for general relaxation and viewing area for news and sport
• Library catering for all your favorite interior and lifestyle publications
• Luxurious lounge area

The creation of the new lounge is being carried out in two co- phases to minimise disruption. Work on the second phase, refurbishment of Etihad’s existing lounge to be used by business class customers is underway.

Key features of the Business Class lounge:
• Concierge on arrival for luggage
• Five star Spa facilities
• Banquet dining
• Family room
• Internet and Business Centre
• Relaxation area
• Dining facilities
• Lounge area"

http://www.arabianbusiness.com/images/magazines/commercial_interior_design/2008_03_01/etihad4_thumb.jpg

misfiled? :confused:

Im travelling J class in 4 days on Etihad to LHR. If the refurbishment of the Buss lounge is under way now, does that mean J passengers will get to use the F lounge until the J lounge is up and running??

http://www.arabianbusiness.com/images/magazines/commercial_interior_design/2008_03_01/etihad4_thumb.jpg

misfiled? :confused:

I considered that the 'in the air' F lounge - or perhaps the lounge's F kennel. :cool:


Sammy, did you check the articles above for a start and end date for the refurb of the other lounges?
I don't recall a firm date.

Any chance you could slot in a F return on miles to MCT beforehand, to check out the F one?

I considered that the 'in the air' F lounge - or perhaps the lounge's F kennel. :cool:


Sammy, did you check the articles above for a start and end date for the refurb of the other lounges?
I don't recall a firm date.

Any chance you could slot in a F return on miles to MCT beforehand, to check out the F one?

No exact date but the article u put above says mid-March for J lounge . Im guessing it will not be open by Friday the 9th which is when I travel.

They had said mid-Feb for the F lounge which wasn't ready until a couple days ago.


The opening of the First Class Lounge is the first part of the two-stage design process, with the second phase - a premium Business Class Lounge due to be opened in mid- March.

Im travelling J class in 4 days on Etihad to LHR. If the refurbishment of the Buss lounge is under way now, does that mean J passengers will get to use the F lounge until the J lounge is up and running??

Well im here at the airport, and the answer to my question is No. Etihad is still using the old lounges for J class travelers.

They confirmed that the new j class lounge which will be exclusive to Etihad is due before March end.

Well im here at the airport, and the answer to my question is No. Etihad is still using the old lounges for J class travelers.

They confirmed that the new j class lounge which will be exclusive to Etihad is due before March end.

Hope you have a great trip, sammy7 - please add a trip report sometime so I can add it to the forum TR / lounge sticky (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=792412). :)