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While some travellers may still feel trepidation about flying through the Arabian Gulf region amid ongoing uncertainty among nations in the area, passengers flying with Etihad Airways to or through its hub at Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport will enjoy the standard of excellence the airline made its name on. Although Etihad has yet to resume the full global schedule it previously maintained, Australia remains an important market for the airline, and scheduled flights continue to offer comfortable service from airports across the country.

With seats already selected and passport information uploaded, passengers checked in online the day before departure. Passengers travelling light with only carry-on bags can bypass the check-in counters and head straight to Passport Control and Security. At the time of this Wednesday afternoon departure, the airport was totally calm, and no waiting was required anywhere. Passengers checking bags have a generous 40-kilo allowance.

: Etihad’s premium passengers have access to the Air New Zealand lounge at SYD

: Etihad A350-1000 Business Class seat

Etihad’s Business Class passengers have access to the very stylish Air New Zealand lounge before departure. In contrast to reports of lounges becoming as busy as railway stations these days, the Air New Zealand lounge was the haven of serenity a lounge should be before a flight. An array of appetising food options provided tasty sustenance before passengers proceeded to the gate.

Tasty Arab mezze is one but one of the appealing menu options

Tasty Arab mezze is one of the appealing menu options

Once on board the A350-1000, an aircraft used on only very select Etihad routes, all was exactly as expected on an Etihad Airways flight if expectations are high. First was the warm welcome from the extremely courteous crew that provided attentive service throughout the flight. Pre-departure drinks and a personal introduction from the cabin manager followed. As has become a trend with safety videos, Etihad’s is no dry run-through of rules and procedures. Instead, using the stunning Louvre Abu Dhabi as the setting, the safety guidelines are illustrated in an exceptionally engaging video. The absence of centre overhead storage bins creates an air of spaciousness on the plane.

: Armani Casa bedding means only the best for Etihad passengers

: Etihad is one of the few airlines with a print inflight magazine

Etihad leaves no detail overlooked; from the soft fabric of the oshibori towel to the zipper on the amenity kit that replicates the airline’s livery, it is clear they’ve considered every aspect of the passenger experience. Not least in this regard are the Armani Casa bedding and the comfortable Armani pyjamas. One of the most impressive features of Etihad’s Business Class is the large screen at each seat, which offers hundreds of audiovisual entertainment options.

A comparatively quick flight time of 13h15m had the plane on the ground at AUH 50 minutes ahead of schedule. Sometimes you just want the flight to last a little longer.

Contact your preferred travel advisor or visit: etihad.com.