Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has opened the doors of its latest premium lounge in Manchester Airport’s Terminal 1, as part of the airline’s continued commitment to the North West of England.

Etihad Pearl Business class guests were among the first to enjoy the Etihad premium lounge, following an opening ceremony hosted by Manchester City Football Club (MCFC) manager, Roberto Mancini; Garry Cook, MCFC Chief Executive; and Mike Summerbee, MCFC ambassador.

Etihad’s premium lounge in Manchester is the latest in a progressive roll-out of the lounge concept successfully introduced at the airline’s home base in Abu Dhabi.

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways Chief Commercial Officer, said: “Manchester has always been an important market for Etihad and the ties between Manchester and Abu Dhabi have never been stronger.

“This latest development is testament to our commitment to the North West of England, and to the ever-growing business and leisure travel demand in and out of the region. We are very proud to be able to offer Etihad Pearl Business Class guests in Manchester this amazing lounge.”

Roberto Mancini said: “Abu Dhabi is our home when we are away from home and as a regular user of Etihad, I, like my players, am always impressed with the impeccable service and fantastic facilities on board. 

“The new Etihad premium lounge will make our journeys to the region even more enjoyable, starting from the moment we step into the airport to arriving at our destination. I am proud to be opening it today.” 

Garry Cook said: “It is difficult to find ways to improve on the service that Etihad offers, but the provision of the Premium lounge is the icing on the cake for all Pearl Business class passengers.

“We are proud to have Etihad as our Official Partner and share their delight as they continue to be awarded and acclaimed by the airline industry.”

The 318 square metre lounge will bolster business services, offering the airline’s Pearl Business Class guests a range of features, including:

·      five-star dining facilities with a selection of international cuisine;
·      a modern business centre providing individual workstations and privacy for people with laptops;
·      a family room, where children can be entertained;
·      a relaxation area, including high-comfort leather chairs and reading material;
·      luxurious bathrooms and shower facilities for customers to freshen up before their departure;
·      a prayer room; and
·      expansive views over the airport’s taxiway and runway

Andrew Harrison, Manchester Airport’s Managing Director, said: “This new luxury lounge facility really puts Manchester on the map as a world class airport. Etihad’s Abu Dhabi service is a crucial link between our two closely-linked regions and the addition of a premium lounge demonstrates real confidence in this important relationship.”

This new addition to the premium service out of Manchester follows the successful roll-out of premium lounges in Abu Dhabi, London, and Frankfurt. Each of these lounges reflect Etihad’s award-winning style and service concept, with high quality look and feel throughout; Manchester will also be instantly recognisable by a specially designed gallery showcasing memorabilia of Manchester City Football Club, which Etihad has sponsored since 2009.

Earlier this year, as part of the airline’s development in the North West, Etihad announced a 60 per cent increase in capacity on the route – with more Business Class seats than ever before – with the introduction of the Boeing 777 aircraft. With business class travellers enjoying free limousine transfers to and from the airport, the dedicated lounge will ensure premium passengers can relax in Etihad’s signature style from door to door.

Etihad has been operating services to Manchester since 2006 and offers connections from Manchester to Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow with its codeshare partner, bmi and from Manchester to Isle of Man, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Southampton and Inverness with its codeshare partner, Flybe. In 2009, the airline signed a three-year deal to be the official shirt sponsor and partner of English Premier League side, Manchester City.