Etihad Airways' first Residence guest revealed

INAUGURAL TICKET TO FLY IN THE WORLD'S ONLY THREE-ROOM SUITE IN THE SKY SOLD TO MIAMI-BASED BUSINESSMAN, GINO BERTUCCIO

NEW YORK, Dec. 23, 2014 /CNW/ - Etihad Airways today revealed that the most exclusive ticket in aviation history – the inaugural flight in The Residence by Etihad™ – has been booked by Miami-based businessman and aviation enthusiast, Mr. Gino Bertuccio, who will be the first person ever to experience the world's only private multi-room cabin on a commercial passenger 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 and will be available on the airline's incoming fleet of Airbus A380 aircraft. Mr. Bertuccio will have a dedicated Savoy Academy-trained butler on call throughout the duration of his flight, which is part of the unique experience for guests who book The Residence.

Well before Etihad Airways' first A380 inaugural flight takes off from Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) for London's Heathrow Airport (LHR) on December 27, 2014, a dedicated Concierge team will ensure all aspects of Mr. Bertuccio's experience are handled with the utmost personal attention, dedication and care.

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways' Chief Commercial Officer, said: "We are delighted to welcome Mr. Bertuccio on board The Residence by Etihad. On December 27, he will become part of aviation history as the first member of an elite group of Etihad Airways guests to enjoy the world's most luxurious and exclusive hospitality and service experience in the air."

Mr. Bertuccio who runs Ligi Import Corp said: "I have followed Etihad Airways and I have always admired the products the airline has launched. There are going to be many firsts on this inaugural flight – new amenities, services and other innovations to try. I am excited to experience them all, though I am particularly fascinated by the butler concept."

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 traveled on 22 inaugural and final flights in premium class cabins. He is an avid collector of airline memorabilia with nearly 2000 model airplanes, as well as albums filled with boarding passes, certificates and photos from past flights. 

"For the first time in my flying experience, I really don't know what to expect but I do know that flying in the Residence by Etihad will be a truly unique adventure, the top of luxury. I have huge expectations. My only wish is that the flight was longer," said Mr. Bertuccio.

Photo: Miami-based businessman, Gino Bertuccio, Etihad Airways' First Residence Guest.

For more images of Etihad Airways' new aircraft and cabins, including The Residence by Etihad, please visit: www.etihadmediacentre.com 

About Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways began operations in 2003, and in 2013 carried 11.5 million passengers. From its Abu Dhabi base, Etihad Airways flies to 111 existing or announced passenger and cargo destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and the Americas. The airline has a fleet of 109 Airbus and Boeing aircraft, and more than 200 aircraft on firm order, including 71 Boeing 787s, 25 Boeing 777-X, 62 Airbus A350s and nine Airbus A380s.

Etihad Airways holds equity investments in airberlin, Air Seychelles, Virgin Australia, Aer Lingus, Air Serbia and Jet Airways, and is in the process of formalising equity investments in Alitalia and Swiss-based Etihad Regional, operated by Darwin Airline. Etihad Airways, airberlin, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Jet Airways and Etihad Regional also participate in Etihad Airways Partners, a new brand that brings together like-minded airlines to offer customers more choice through improved networks and schedules and enhanced frequent flyer benefits. 

For more information, please visit: www.etihad.com

SOURCE: Etihad Airways

U.S. and Canada media contact: Katie Connell, Etihad Airways Corporate Communications, Tel: [phone] (m) / Email: [email protected]