Etihad Airways and Chapman Freeborn announce airbus A380 and private jet collaboration

Etihad Airways has unveiled a new partnership with leading global aircraft charter specialist Chapman Freeborn, to complement its exclusive The Residence and First Apartment cabins, both available on the airline’s Airbus A380 fleet. 

The agreement with Chapman Freeborn is to promote and market the luxurious living spaces to its top-tier clientele, giving them the opportunity to receive the levels of luxury, discretion and technology they expect on private jet, which can now be enjoyed on Etihad Airways’ longhaul network. 

Shane O’Hare, Etihad Airways’ Senior Vice President Marketing, said: “Etihad Airways’ A380s are unrivalled for their innovation and comfort. We have elevated the travel experience for premium guests by configuring our flagship aircraft with genuine living spaces, providing the levels of privacy, technology and discreet service only found on the most luxurious private jets. 

“Chapman Freeborn’s customers can now enjoy a private jet experience on the largest passenger aircraft in the world, and the infrastructure of a world-leading airline, operating to primary gateway airports. We chose Chapman Freeborn for their great experience and professionalism and we know that this partnership will showcase our beautiful cabins to the most discerning travellers.” 

Russi Batliwala, Chapman Freeborn Chief Executive Officer, said: “Etihad Airways is at the forefront of the commercial aviation industry, leading the way with its Residence and First Class cabin innovations. It is therefore a perfect fit for our private jet services. We are proud to be in partnership with Etihad Airways, offering our customers a totally unique best-in-class experience which complements our private jet service perfectly.” 

Etihad Airways’ A380s currently operate three daily services from Abu Dhabi to London Heathrow, and one of its two daily services between Abu Dhabi and Sydney. On 1 December, Etihad Airways will deploy an A380 on one of its two daily flights from Abu Dhabi to New York JFK. 

Guests travelling in The Residence and First Apartments will also be able to charter private jets through Chapman Freeborn for travel onwards from Etihad Airways’ A380 gateways, providing a point-to-point experience to their final destination. 

Chapman Freeborn provides access to a large fleet of executive jets from the larger-cabin, long range aircraft such as the Gulfstream G650 and Dassault Falcon 7X, to smaller, versatile types such as the Cessna Citation X and Bombardier Challenger 350. 

Measuring 125 square feet, The Residence has changed the landscape of premium airline travel, providing a private three-room cabin, including a living room, double bedroom, private bathroom, dedicated Savoy-trained Butler, and onboard Chef.  

The Etihad Lifestyle Concierge team, which works closely with the airline’s Butlers in-flight, delivers a highly personalised experience, offering a range of services including dining reservations, entertainment bookings, special events, destination information and lifestyle services. On the ground, a VIP Concierge team assists guests with all check-in and security formalities, dovetailing perfectly with Chapman Freeborn’s global private jet service. 

The Etihad Airways A380 is configured with nine ground-breaking First Apartments, featuring a completely private living space with a reclining lounge chair and an ottoman which converts to become a separate 80.5 inch long fully-flat bed. The onboard Chef provides First Apartment guests with superior à la carte dining, or a menu tailor-made from a larder of fresh ingredients. 

Guests staying in The Residence and First Apartments enjoy full inflight connectivity, including WiFi and mobile services, advanced personal entertainment systems, and luxury chauffeur transfers to and from airports served by Etihad Airways’ A380 fleet.