Etihad to LA: Dh25,000, 16.5 hours and stunning views of the North Pole

At a whopping 16 and a half hours, Etihad’s new direct route from Abu Dhabi to Los Angeles is the longest the airline offers, flying almost as far as a plane can go non stop around the world.

The airline is hoping strong trade connections between LA and the UAE and the wealthy clientele likely to make use of the route – as well as the sheer distance – will attract a larger share of business class passengers than other routes. As a result, they are offering 40 business class seats on this route rather than the usual 24.

But you will need to spend Dh25,000 to secure a business return seat on this flight - that’s in comparison to an economy class fare of Dh7,000 return.

Currently the route is operated by an A340 aircraft but next month the company says it plans to upgrade to a Boeing 777 200 long range aircraft.

And the company has been heavily promoting the new route with brand ambassador Dannii Minogue declaring at the launch party last week that the flights were so good passengers wouldn’t want to get off.

So, what’s it like as a flying experience?

Firstly the route itself is the key attraction. To fly directly from Abu Dhabi to LA, Etihad flights actually fly over the North Pole so on a clear day anyone with a window seat can be treated to hour after hour of breathtaking scenery of polar ice, snow covered grey mountains and long flat planes of ice.

For those not lucky enough to secure a window seat, the only other way to enjoy the spectacular views without disturbing fellow passengers is to peer through the bathroom window.

For the rest of those 16 hours, the entertainment options are pretty pleasant too.

Business class seats on the route can recline to a fully flat position making it easy to sleep during your time on board.

And each seat is designed with a permanent footrest under which you can store hand luggage leaving plenty of room to relax during the long flight.

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American Airlines to launch new domestic and international destinations from LAX

American Airlines will continue expanding its domestic and international service from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), further strengthening one of its key hubs and providing more access for customers across its growing global network. New service between Los Angeles and the following markets will be available for booking beginning this Saturday, June 21.

Edmonton, Alberta operated daily, beginning Oct. 2

San Antonio operated twice daily, beginning Oct. 2

Tampa, Florida operated daily, beginning Nov. 6

Vancouver, British Columbia operated twice daily, beginning Oct. 2

"Providing service from Los Angeles to these destinations strengthens our LAX hub which plays a vital role in our domestic and international network strategy," said Chuck Schubert, vice president – network and schedule planning. "As we continue work to integrate our two great global networks, we are committed to growing our presence in our hubs to offer customers the most convenient access to the most important global business and leisure destinations."

Service between LAX and Edmonton, San Antonio and Vancouver will be operated as US Airways Express with a two-class Bombardier CRJ-900 aircraft. The new route between LAX and Tampa will be operated by American Airlines with a two-class Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

With these new markets, American will serve 53 domestic and international destinations from its LAX hub. Customers have access to even more global destinations through partners British Airways, Iberia, Qantas, Japan Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Cathay Pacific and LAN, all of which offer convenient connections from Los Angeles.

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Etihad Airways hosts spectacular Beverly Hills gala to celebrate new Los Angeles flights

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), hosted a glittering gala reception at the iconic Beverly House in Beverly Hills last night, celebrating the June 1 launch of its daily service between Los Angeles and Abu Dhabi. 

Guests representing a wide variety of industries including entertainment, travel, fashion, and politics were treated to a spectacular night that brought together the style and sophistication associated with the city of Beverly Hills and Etihad Airways.  

The legendary Beverly House, venue of many famous Hollywood films and three blocks from Sunset Boulevard, was transformed as guests were entertained by an Etihad Airways and Abu Dhabi themed 3D mapping sound and light show, followed later in the evening by live performance by Harry Connick, Jr. 

Guests of honour at the gala reception included the UAE Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency Yousef Al Otaiba, and U.S. Ambassador to the UAE, The Honorable Michael H. Corbin who both welcomed the launch of the new service between Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH). 

The gala reception was hosted by Etihad Airways’ brand Ambassador and X Factor judge, Dannii Minogue; music producer, Quincy Jones; former astronaut Buzz Aldrin; chef, Wolfgang Puck; and actor, Shaun Toub. 

James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ President and Chief Executive Officer, said “Etihad Airways is delighted to bring a taste of Modern Arabia to Beverly Hills for the night and showcase the world-class hospitality and service that guests now receive every time they fly with us from Los Angeles to Abu Dhabi and beyond.” 

Upon arrival at the Beverly House red carpet, guests were welcomed by classical Arabian Ayala dancers. Etihad Airways cabin crew then offered Arabic coffee and dates before being escorted through the mansion out onto the terrace. 

During the champagne reception guests sampled canapés and mingled among displays of Etihad Airways’ recently announced Residence, which will be introduced on the airline’s A380 aircraft and is the only three-room hotel in the sky, as well the airline’s First Class Apartment, Suites and Business Class products. 

Later guests were escorted to the lawn of the Beverly House where 35 tables, each named after islands off the coast of Abu Dhabi, were positioned to allow guests to view the main stage, as well as the surroundings for the 3D mapping performance.  

Guests were addressed by James Hogan and His Excellency Yousef Al Otaiba before enjoying the live 45-minute set by Harry Connick, Jr. and his band. 

Showcasing the Etihad Airways on-board dining expertise, 10  classically-trained First Class Chefs worked alongside Operator Michael Duddie and Executive Chef Guus Wickenhagen from Event Horizon Catering, one of Los Angeles’ leading catering firms to produce an exquisite culinary offering. 

Event Horizon Catering is the exclusive catering company for the iconic TCL Chinese Theater in Hollywood. Duddie and Wickenhagen also opened the unique dining concept, supperclub Los Angeles. 

The three course dinner consisted of a starter of organic tomato and burrata salad with basil pesto and garlic crouton.

Main course included a choice of pan seared Chilean sea bass with Zucchini and cherry tomato; - or braised boneless short rib with puree of cauliflower, English peas, tomato and veal jus; – or herb risotto with English peas, organic roasted tomato, sweet yellow corn, green onion and black chanterelle mushroom. 

Dessert was guanaja chocolate layer with tea brulee on soft chocolate sponge.

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One Arrested After Hand Grenade Found in Los Angeles Airport

A hand grenade found in a carry-on bag at Los Angeles International Airport prompted officials to delay five flights and disrupt travel plans for some 800 passengers for a couple of hours, according to the Transportation Security Administration.

Officials arrested one person in relation to the incident, according to a TSA statement on Friday. It was not immediately clear when the incident occurred.

"The Terminal 1 checkpoint was closed while the Explosive Ordnance Disposal team transported the grenade to an offsite location to be disrupted," the statement added. "Five flights were delayed 2 hours, 19 minutes, affecting 800 passengers."

"We continue to find inert hand grenades and other weaponry on a weekly basis," according to the TSA. "Please keep in mind that if an item looks like a real bomb, grenade, mine, etc., it is prohibited."

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