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 UK market. 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 UK market, 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.” 

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, a prayer room; and expansive views over the airport’s taxiway and runway.