
This week will be a testing time for airlines, with many having their busiest day of the year in the lead-up to the Christmas holiday period. With December 22 expected to be the busiest day for Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates, the airline is putting its festive stamp on the week with decorations, themed cuisine and complimentary, limited-edition amenities.
Giorgio Armani amenity kits for Christmas surprise
In partnership with famed designer Giorgio Armani and leading skincare brand ESPA, Etihad Airways (Etihad) has designed a range of limited-edition amenity kits to celebrate the holiday season. The First folios, business class clutches, and cube bags come in rich colors and are complimentary for business class passengers on longer flights and to all travelers in First and The Residence.
For once, economy passengers have not been left out,as they will receive a limited-edition tote bag on all long-haul routes until January 10, 2025. The bags feature two playful designs: a charming snowman and a snowflake pattern inspired by the facets of Etihad’s tailfin.
Travelers passing through Abu Dhabi and London will notice the Etihad lounges have been decorated with Christmas trees and gingerbread houses to create a festive atmosphere. A special Christmas dining offering will be available from December 21 to 30, with traditional feasts accompanied by seasonal beverages, including mulled wine, eggnog coffee and a Gingerbread espresso martini.
Etihad wants to share the festive spirit with its guests through limited-edition amenity kits, traditional menus, seasonal treats and warm hospitality. Etihad Airways Director of Product and Hospitality Turky Al Hammadi said the holiday season is the time to visit friends, explore new places and create lasting memories, adding:
The onboard experience is not forgotten
Between December 23 and 25, Etihad will serve a traditional festive menu in all cabins on 30 routes across its network. The full-service carrier expects to serve more than 50,000 Christmas dinners, featuring turkiye roulade, chestnut and thyme stuffing, herb and garlic sweet potato, Brussels sprouts and pumpkin with chicken jus.
Bringing the on-ground experience to 30,000 feet, Etihad will follow the main meal with chocolate Bûche de Noël, gingerbread white chocolate mousse or Christmas bread and butter pudding. In premium cabins, guests can enjoy mocktails and cocktails inspired by the holiday season, including a Rum, Rum Rudolph, Hot Toddy, Winter Spritz or an iced or hot Gingerbread Latte.
While it would be a wonderful experience to enjoy these Christmas delights in the opulence of Etihad’s The Residence, that option is open to just a handful of passengers. However, there is still more than enough comfort across the modern, long-haul fleet operated by Etihad.
Etihad did not announce details on which routes would have the special festive meals, but with a fleet of more than 100 aircraft, it is likely the widebody airplanes will enjoy the experience. According to ch-aviation, Etihad’s widebody aircraft include Airbus A350-1000s and A380s, Boeing 777-300ERs, 787-10s and 787-9 Dreamliners.
Zayed International Airport is ready for the peak travel season
Travelers using Abu Dhabi Zayed International Airport (AUH), the home of Etihad Airways, will enjoy a welcoming atmosphere with extensive check-in facilities, including family-friendly zones, biometric self-bag drop check-in desks and dedicated services for first and business class passengers.
To encourage passengers, Etihad is rewarding them with 1,000 Etihad Guest Miles when they use the offsite check-in and bag drop facilities until December 27, 2024, located at:
- Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal (open 24 hours)
- The Fountains Yas Mall (open 10:00 to 22:00)
- Mussafah 38 Al Arzaq Street, Mussafah Shabia 11, behind Al Madina Hypermarket (open 10:00 to 22:00)
- Al Ain Lulu Hypermarket Kuwaitat, Shakhboot Bin Sultan St, Central District (open 10:00 to 22:00)
Source: simpleflying