Etihad Airways' "Residence" class ticket costs NT$1.29 million  — comes with a double bed and private bathroom

 ▲ Etihad Airways (Photo / fromEtihad Airways fan page)

Travel Center / Comprehensive report

Long flights crammed in economy class seats can be uncomfortable, and even business or first class often only offers more legroom and reclining chairs. Middle EasternEtihad Airways (Etihad Airway)announced after introducing new aircraft that it will launch an ultra-luxurious cabin class on the 4th, featuring not just sofas and double beds, but also private bathrooms — essentially bringing a small suite on board.

▲ Etihad Airways' ultra-luxurious Residence cabin offers hotel-like space, allowing passengers to rest fully during their journey. (Photo / fromEtihad Airways fan page)

After introducing the world's largest passenger aircraft, the Airbus A380, this year, Etihad Airways plans to roll out its ultra-luxury cabin class: The Residence.The Residence is like a small suite, with approximately 3.5 ping (about 11.6 square meters) divided into a living room, bedroom, and bathroom; the living room features a double sofa and a 32-inch TV, and the cabinet under the TV functions as both a storage unit and a step stool. The bedroom includes a double bed for two people and a private shower, allowing passengers to relax as if they were at home.

But such a luxurious, mobile-hotel-like cabin doesn’t come cheap — round-trip tickets for the London route, set to launch by the end of this year (2014), are priced at USD 43,000 (approximately NT$1.29 million), and bookings are now open.

% Video showing the interior of the luxury cabin launched by the airline: a look inside The Residence. Video from YouTube, please excuse if removed.