Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates, is ushering in the Lunar New Year in grand style, blending cultural tradition with luxury aviation. On January 29, travellers flying to Bangkok, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Singapore, and Shanghai will experience an exclusive Lunar New Year celebration at 40,000 feet, while premium guests at the Zayed International Airport lounge will be treated to gourmet delicacies prepared at live cooking stations.
Adding to the festive momentum, Etihad’s world-renowned Airbus A380 will commence flights between Abu Dhabi and Singapore starting February 1, marking a new chapter in the airline’s expanding global reach.
A Culinary Celebration in the Skies
Etihad Airways is crafting an unforgettable Lunar New Year experience for passengers by introducing a thoughtfully curated inflight menu, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune. Featured delicacies include:
- Prosperity Salad – A tantalizing mix of salmon and dragon fruit, representing abundance and health.
- Golden Dumplings – Shrimp and chicken fried dumplings evoke wealth and happiness.
- Black Pepper Beef with Shimeji Mushrooms – A savory delight symbolizing strength and success.
- Mandarin & Dark Chocolate Cake – A decadent dessert infused with passion fruit and mango, embodying sweetness and joy.
As a gesture of tradition, all guests will receive a classic red envelope containing chocolate gold coins, a nod to the cultural practice of gifting prosperity during Lunar New Year celebrations.
“Our goal is to deliver an authentic experience that honors the rich heritage of the Lunar New Year while ensuring our guests enjoy world-class hospitality,” said Turky Al Hammadi, Director of Product and Guest Experience at Etihad Airways.
Exclusive Lounge Experience at Zayed International Airport
Before takeoff, premium cabin travellers and Etihad Guest members can indulge in a one-of-a-kind Lunar New Year lounge experience. Red-themed decorations enhance the festive ambience, while a live cooking station serves freshly prepared traditional dishes. Guests can savour an array of Asian-inspired delicacies meticulously prepared by top chefs, bringing an authentic and refined touch to the celebrations.
A Game-Changer: Etihad’s Airbus A380 Returns to Singapore
Etihad Airways is elevating its commitment to luxury and capacity with the launch of its Airbus A380 on the Abu Dhabi-Singapore route starting February 1. The move reinforces Singapore’s position as a key destination in Etihad’s growing network, joining London, New York, and Paris in the select cities offering the unparalleled A380 experience.
A380: Redefining Air Travel Excellence
The A380, known for its extravagant comfort and innovation, boasts four distinct cabin classes:
- Economy Smart Seats: Featuring 337 ergonomic seats with innovative fixed-wing headrests, large pillows, and 68 Economy Space seats, offering an additional four inches of legroom.
- Business Studios™: Located on the upper deck, 70 private Business Studios provide a seamless fusion of comfort and efficiency, complete with Armani/Casa-designed amenities.
- First Apartments: These nine luxurious suites offer unmatched sophistication, with reclining leather chairs, ottoman beds, and an exclusive shower room for first-class guests.
- The Residence: The pinnacle of air travel luxury, The Residence is a three-room suite featuring a private living room, bedroom, and ensuite bathroom. Accommodating up to two guests, this exclusive space ensures a personalized, high-end journey complemented by gourmet dining and a dedicated cabin crew.
Etihad’s A380 experience offers unparalleled Wi-Fi connectivity, exclusive onboard lounges, and state-of-the-art entertainment systems, setting a new benchmark in aviation luxury.
A New Era for Singapore-bound Travelers
With the introduction of the A380, Singapore-bound passengers can anticipate a seamless and opulent journey, whether travelling for business or leisure. The airline’s expanded capacity on this route signifies a significant boost for global connectivity, reaffirming Abu Dhabi’s role as a premier international hub.
“The reintroduction of our A380 service to Singapore aligns with our mission to provide superior travel experiences while strengthening our global footprint,” said Al Hammadi. “We are excited to share this momentous occasion with our guests, especially as we celebrate the Lunar New Year.”
Final Thoughts: A Celebration of Tradition and Innovation
Etihad Airways’ Lunar New Year initiative perfectly blends cultural reverence and modern luxury. From gourmet inflight dining to high-end lounge experiences and the A380 launch, the airline continues to redefine premium air travel. As the world steps into the Year of the Snake, Etihad is charting a bold course toward the future while honouring the traditions that make travel more meaningful.
For more details on Etihad Airways’ offerings and to book flights, visit Etihad.com.
Written by: Karuna Johnson
