The national airline of the United Arab Emirates and one of the country’s two flag carriers showcased its fancy new purple business class seats at the Arabian Travel Market last week.

The unique design is a customised version of the Elements seat manufactured by Collins.

Etihad is the first airline in the world to introduce the Elements seat on the Boeing 787.

The 32 new seats will have added privacy provided by a suite door and direct aisle access with the cabin designed in a 1-2-1 configuration.

If you’re wondering if it’s a fully lie-flat-bed, the answer is yes. It is 198cm in length and also features a 44cm 4K TV screen. The new IFE screens feature Bluetooth connectivity, which is becoming an industry standard with new IFE, and the capability for phones/tablets to be paired and used as remotes.

Its new Wi-Fi equipment from Viasat that uses Ka band technology to offer high speeds, is capable of streaming in flight and allows the airline to provide live television.

“Etihad’s new 787 Dreamliner cabin interior showcases further enhancements to our award-winning and industry renowned cabins,” Etihad Airways CEO Antonoaldo Neves said.

“Our new Business class takes the guest experience to new heights with the second evolution of the Business Studio which was launched on the Airbus A350-1000 last year.”

The height of the suite has also been increased from the A350’s debut model, offering even greater privacy for guests.

Meanwhile, it also unveiled its new economy cabin with enhancements such as a larger 33cm 4K touchscreen monitor, USB charging port, Bluetooth headphone pairing and slimmer armrests for added space.

“Both cabins offer a stylish environment and the highest standards of comfort whether guests choose to rest, work or enjoy the award-winning in-flight entertainment,” Etihad states.

Other technological benefits include new Wi-Fly packages on its wide-body fleet with Chat package ($2.99) or free for Etihad Guest members and Surf package for $9.99 – offering unlimited data.

The free Chat packages provide access to popular messaging apps such as What’s App, WeChat and Messenger.

“We know how important it is for our guests to stay connected, which is why we’re thrilled to introduce an added complimentary benefit for Etihad Guest members and welcome everyone to sign up before they fly to take advantage of this benefit immediately,” Mr Neves said.

And as for its business class dining experience – passengers can expect bespoke dining ware and soft furnishings designed in collaboration with celebrated international designer brand Armani/Casa.

“This year is about growth for Etihad – as well as enhancing our guest experience and adding aircraft to our fleet, we’ve announced new routes for our network, including Kolkata last month, Lisbon, Malaga and Mykonos this European summer and Copenhagen and Dusseldorf in the fourth quarter,” Mr Neves said.

Prices start from $1669 in Economy if heading from Sydney to Amsterdam, and $1689 to Paris. Meanwhile, a business class seat will cost $7189 from Sydney to Frankfurt.

The new Boeing 787 joins the Etihad fleet in August 2023.