Etihad announces First Class retrofit programme

Etihad Airways has unveiled details of a major investment programme to upgrade its expanding fleet, including a contract to install its luxurious new first class suites on board its wide-body aircraft. The Abu Dhabi-based airline has awarded Lufthansa Technik the contract to replace the airline's existing first class seat with its new BE Aerospace first class suite in nine Airbus A340 aircraft currently in service by the end of 2010. The engineering and conversion work involves a complete renovation of the cabin, galley areas and a new in-flight entertainment system. Werner Rothenbaecher, Etihad Airways' executive vice president technical, said: "The new first class suite is a stunning product and stands out in the premium travel market. It has been incredibly well-received and we are delighted to be able to roll it out across the A340 fleet so quickly."