Etihad Airways has introduced the Boeing 787-9 on its scheduled daily service from Abu Dhabi to Seoul. The aircraft touched down this morning at the South Korean capital’s space-age Incheon International Airport.
The new two-class 787 Dreamliner service replaces the Airbus A340-600 aircraft previously operated on the route, and features Etihad Airways’ next-generation Business and Economy-Class cabins, configured with 299 seats - 28 Business Studios and 271 Economy Smart Seats.
“Seoul has been a very successful and popular route for Etihad Airways since it was launched in December 2010 and we are fast approaching our one millionth traveller milestone on the service," said Mohammad Al Bulooki, the Etihad Airways executive vice president, commercial.
“There has been a steady increase in the number of business and leisure travellers flying to South Korea from Abu Dhabi and the GCC region, and vice versa. The UAE Government’s initiatives to develop the already strong trade ties between our two countries has allowed many Korean companies to operate successfully here, contributing to the success of Etihad Airways’ Seoul Incheon service. Furthermore, many of our customers on the route transit onwards through Abu Dhabi to major destinations on the Etihad network across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
“The addition of more 787 Dreamliners into our fleet has allowed us to upgrade the Seoul service so our customers can enjoy the unique Etihad experience available on this incredible aircraft, and ensuring that we maintain the competitive edge with the innovative cabin and seating designs featured onboard.”
Incheon Airport this year won the world’s best airport award for a record 12th consecutive year. South Korea’s largest airport scored 4.99 points out of 5, winning the title given by the annual Airport Service Quality Award event presented by Airports Council International. The airport was also named the best large airport (with at least 40 million passengers annually), the best airport in Asia-Pacific and the best large-scale airport in Asia-Pacific.
Etihad has a fleet of 16 Boeing 787 aircraft. Seoul flights include Food and Beverage Managers in Business Class and a Norland-approved Flying Nanny in Economy Class to provide extra specialised care for families with young children.
The Business Studios offer direct aisle access, a fully-flat bed of up to 80.5 inches in length, and an increase of 20 per cent in personal space. The Business Studio is equipped with an in-seat massage and pneumatic cushion control system which enables guests to adjust the firmness and comfort of their seat.
Each Business Studio has an 18-inch personal touch-screen TV with noise-cancelling headsets. Guests can also enjoy mobile connectivity, onboard Wi-Fi and seven satellite channels of live TV.
Economy Smart Seats provide enhanced comfort with a unique ‘fixed wing’ headrest, adjustable lumbar support, a seat width of approximately 19 inches and an 11.1” personal TV monitor on each seat. The aircraft has been designed with enhancements including humidity controls while air pressure levels are set to ensure a smoother flight, allowing guests to arrive feeling fresher.
The Boeing 787 schedule to Seoul, South Korea, effective August 1, 2017: flight EY 876, leaves Abu Dhabi at 22:15 and arrives in Seoul at 11:55 +1 daily and flight EY 873 leaves Seoul at 00:55 and lands in Abu Dhabi at 05:50.
Incheon Airport is set to complete the third phase of its upgrading this year. The completion of the 3 Phase Construction Project will allow Incheon International Airport to support over 72 million passengers and is expected to be a critical milestone in Incheon International Airport’s foray into becoming an airline hub.
