Everything You Need To Know About Etihad’s Newest Sustainability 50 Airbus A350

Brightsun Travel had a chance to experience Etihad’s newest aircraft Airbus A350 at the airside in London Heathrow!

Brightsun Travel had a chance to experience Etihad’s newest aircraft Airbus A350 which recently came to London Heathrow from the airline’s base in Abu Dhabi. Also called the Sustainable 50, this aircraft is a flagship of sustainability and represents aviation’s next step to reach its goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050.  

Touted as one of the most innovative and sustainable aircraft in the world, it is lighter, quieter and produces 25% less fuel burn and CO2 emissions. According to the airline, the A350 is everyone’s aircraft and will be a flying testbed for sustainable technology to be tried by both big players and newcomers in the industry.

The A350-1000 comes with state-of-the-art aerodynamics and fuel-efficient engines, and has economy and business class cabins, but no first class cabin. It is also the first aircraft showcasing Etihad’s all new business class offering. So, what’s it like to be in the airline’s business class? Brightsun Travel visited the airside in London Heathrow to find out.

After boarding the flight, we took a tour of the aircraft which was around 73.79m long with the highest ceilings ever seen in a plane. It follows Etihad’s traditional sand-inspired colour theme paired with a darker element giving a sleek modern feel to the aircraft. A grey carpet with gold and silver details runs throughout the jet along with ambient lighting via LED featuring 16.7 million colours that mimic different times of the day or night to provide travellers a warm and welcoming ambiance.

In Business class, all 44 individual suites have direct access to aisle and a sliding privacy door. The airline has ditched overhead luggage bins for seats in the centre aisle in place of which overhead bins above the window seats can be used. Seats are more than 50cm wide with an adjustable armrest and can easily recline to a fully-flat bed stretching out to more than 2m, enough for even the tallest of passengers. There are also a wide tray-table fixed on a sliding ramp and attention has been given to small details like Arabian-inspired light columns and a reading light.  

Bathrooms are spacious and feature black paneling, an adjustable, illuminated magnifying mirror along with the main mirror and a hands-free flush system. Amenity kits by Acqua Di Parma are provided which come with a sleep mask, lip balm, body lotion, dental kit and a tiny fragrance bottle.

Etihad’s business class is also big on functionality and features wireless phone charging dock and Bluetooth connection. Another new feature is the digital menu in the entertainment system from where passengers can order food and drinks direct from the seat.  

Inflight entertainment includes high-definition touchscreens with a selection of films, television shows and an e-library to read your favourite newspapers and magazines. There is also a kid’s section in the entertainment system set up as cartoon-style interface and features kid-friendly movies, music and games.

In economy, seats are comfortable and have adjustable headrests with wings for support, and bi-fold tray tables. The personal screens are the largest seen in economy and come with Bluetooth connectivity allowing passengers to use their headphones. It is perfect for budget-minded travellers who want to get excellent value for money experience.  

Brightsun Travel is a proud partner of Etihad and provides reduced fares to worldwide destinations. For best offers and availability dates, contact our travel experts now!