You know, I (David) have shied away from traveling to faraway distant lands because I absolutely dread the thought of sitting in a seat for over eight hours. As Carol will attest, I become quite agitated even at the thought of flying to Europe, let alone a flight that might last 14 hours, or more.
But, I suppose if I had one of these new three-room suites, I could put up with it.
Check this out…
The Residence will feature a living room, double bedroom, separate ensuite shower room, and for the first time in the airline industry, a dedicated, trained Butler.
Measuring an unparalleled 125 square feet in total area, The Residence will be located on the forward upper deck of the airline’s new fleet of Airbus A380s and will be available for single or double occupancy.
Guests staying in The Residence will have a dedicated Butler on call throughout the flight, offering the type of discrete personal service and attention to detail found in the world’s most exclusive hotels.
These hospitality professionals have been selected by Etihad Airways and are undergoing specialist training at the Savoy Butler Academy in London, part of the world-famous Savoy Hotel.
The Butler’s role is multi-faceted including that of a Concierge and Maitre d’hotel. Their uniform has been designed by Rome-based fashion designer, Ettore Bilotta, to reflect the superior levels of professionalism and style associated with this unique role.
A dedicated VIP Concierge team will ensure all aspects of the experience, including booking luxury limousine transfers, check-in, and custom menu planning, are handled with the utmost discretion.
The living room in The Residence is furnished with a two-seat reclining sofa upholstered in Poltrona Frau leather, dual marquetry dining tables and a chilled mini-bar.
A touchscreen control unit operates the retractable ottoman, the ambient and mood lighting, window shading, adjusts seat position and firmness, and activates the in-seat massage functions.
A door and passageway separate the living room from the master bedroom and the ensuite shower room. The bedroom features a Poltrona Frau upholstered 82 inch long double bed with custom-made mattress, bedside unit, wardrobe, and under-bed stowage for hand luggage.
The living room features a large 32 inch LCD TV, whilst the bedroom boasts its own 27 inch LCD TV. The communications suite features broadband with internet mobile and data capability, Live TV, HDMI, AC outlet and USB ports.
The Residence is fully Wi-Fi enabled and equipped with the latest Panasonic eX3 entertainment system, controlled by video touch screen and handset.
In keeping with the cabin interiors in the rest of the aircraft, The Residence is decorated in a contemporary style influenced by modern Arabian design.
It also has unique décor elements such as custom carpets, table marquetry and soft furnishings, creating individuality and exclusivity. The Residence on each Etihad Airways A380 aircraft will feature a unique design inspired by best-in-class boutique hospitality.
Certified by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for dual occupancy, The Residence has been built by B/E Aerospace in the United Kingdom in close partnership with the Etihad Design Consortium (EDC) and Poltrona Frau.
How much you say? Well, I suppose if we have to ask, we can’t afford it. 
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