Gino Bertuccio: The first to fly the world’s first – and only – three-room suite in the sky

Forget first class. There’s a new class of travel on the horizon – The Residence by Etihad™ and Miami-based businessman was the first to try it.  

The acclaimed aviation enthusiast was the first person ever to experience the world’s only private multi-room cabin on a commercial passenger aircraft.

Gino Bertuccio was the lucky person who became the first to experience the game-changing, three-room suite on board Etihad Airways’ new A380 aircraft,

The Residence, which features an exclusive three-room private cabin, including a Living Room, Double Bedroom and Ensuite Shower Room, is a ground-breaking concept unique to Etihad Airways brand-new fleet of Airbus A380 aircraft.

Well before the inaugural flight from Abu Dhabi to London Heathrow Airport (LHR) on 27 December, 2014, a dedicated Concierge team ensured all aspects of Mr. Bertuccio’s experience were catered to, with the utmost personal attention, dedication and care. Mr. Bertuccio also had a  dedicated Savoy Academy-trained butler on call throughout the duration of his flight – all part of the unique experience for guests who book The Residence.

Mr. Bertuccio, who booked the inaugural flight on etihad.com, has been passionate about flying since a very young age. A true connoisseur with deep expertise and knowledge of air travel, Mr. Bertuccio flew on his first inaugural 25 years ago and has since travelled on 22 inaugural and final flights in premium class cabins.

To experience the penultimate in commercial air travel, book your flightsto London from Abu Dhabi with Etihad Airways. 

Etihad Airways brings momentous year to a close with the arrival of its flagship aircraf

The world’s media gathered today to witness a moment in aviation history: the welcoming of Etihad Airways’ Airbus A380 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft in Abu Dhabi.

Etihad Airways new B787 Dreamliner.

The doors to the airline’s two new flagship aircraft – in the distinctive new ‘Facets of Abu Dhabi’ livery – were opened for the first time to reveal the new cabin interiors, which include the ultra-luxurious Residence by Etihad™, the only three-room suite in the sky.

In addition to the media event at Abu Dhabi airport, Etihad Airways is also hosting an event for travel industry partners and one for the airline’s staff today, ensuring that by the end of the day more than 1,500 people will have toured the two new aircraft.

Etihad Airways also unveiled a new cabin crew uniform at a spectacular catwalk fashion show. It’s the first major uniform re-launch since the airline’s formation in 2003 and incorporates the same colours used for the cabin interior and new aircraft livery.

The fashion show saw 22 Etihad Airways cabin crew showcasing the new uniform which has been designed by Italian couturier, Ettore Bilotta.

The new uniform perfectly combines elegance, comfort and practicality and the colours are derived from the new brand identity.

A warm chocolate brown has been used as the base colour for the different uniform variations. A deep purple colour is added for cabin crew and lounge staff, and a burnt orange accent colour for ground crews and Special Services personnel.

Following today’s events in Abu Dhabi, the A380 and Boeing 787 aircraft will continue test operations before starting commercial flights. The A380 will operate daily to London Heathrow from 27 December and the 787 to Dusseldorf from 1 February 2015.

The entry into commercial service of the A380 will see the introduction of The Residence by Etihad™, a new cabin that has captured the imagination of the air travel industry since it was unveiled in May 2014.

The Residence by Etihad™ features a living room, separate ensuite shower room, and bedroom, and as another first in the airline industry, a dedicated Butler.

Measuring 125 square feet in total, The Residence by Etihad™ is located on the forward upper deck of the A380 and is for single or double occupancy.

The A380 is also the only Etihad Airways aircraft to offer the First Apartment which is a complete living space with a reclining lounge chair and an ottoman, which opens up to become a separate 80.5 inch long fully-flat bed.

The First Suite on the Etihad Airways B787 offers guests an enhanced suite with chilled mini-bar, complete privacy and centre seats which can be joined to create a double bed.

A total of 70 Business Studios are located on the upper deck of the A380, and the B787 has 28 Business Studios, all offering aisle access and a fully flat bed of up to 80.5 inches long.

The Economy Smart Seat also debuts on the A380 and Boeing 787 and has enhanced comfort with the unique ‘fixed wing’ headrest on each seat.

Etihad Airways will take delivery of four A380s and three Boeing 787-9s in 2015.