Airlines and Aviation
An aviation buff from Miami is the first person to book passage in The Residence by Etihad, the world’s a private cabin on a commercial airliner. He flies from Abu Dhabi to London on the inaugural flight on 27 December 2014.
Gino Bertuccio has been an aviation enthusiast since childhhood, and he has a thing for first flights, having travelled on the inaugural flights of the Airbus A380, the Boeing 787, and the Boeing 747-8.
Gino flew on his first inaugural flight 25 years ago, and he has been an avid fan of first and last flights ever since, making 22 inaugural and final flights since then. And he always flies in premium class cabins.
Most recently, Gino flew on the first Qatar Airways Airbus A380 flight from Doha, Qatar, to London Heathrow, which took place on 10 October 2014.
Magic Day
“On the magic day, I arrived at Hamad International Airport at 5.20 am … in order not to miss any of the festivities,” Gino wrote in an artical published in AirwaysNews.
Gino’s next adventure will take place on 27 December 2014, when he becomes the first passenger in history to fly in a private cabin in a commercial jet.
On that day Etihad Airways will launch its much anticipated The Residence by Etihad on its Abu Dhabi – London Heathrow route, and Gino will be its first passenger. He booked the flight on line.
“I have followed Etihad Airways, and I have always admired the products the airline has launched,” Gino says.
Private Butlers
“There are going to be many firsts on this inaugural flight – new amenities, services, and other innovations to try. I am excited to experience them all, though I am particularly fascinated by the butler concept.”
The world’s first multi-room private cabin on a commercial passenger aircraft, the Residence has 3 rooms: a Living Room, a Double Bedroom, and Ensuite Shower Room. It will be available on the airline’s incoming fleet of Airbus A380 aircraft.
And forget about flight attendants, stewardesses, or pursors. In flight service will provided by a dedicated Savoy Academy-trained butler, who will remain on call throughout the duration of the flight.
Welcome Aboard!
“We are delighted to welcome Mr. Bertuccio on board The Residence by Etihad,” says Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways‘ Chief Commercial Officer.
“On December 27, he will become part of aviation history as the first member of an elite group of Etihad Airways guests to enjoy the world’s most luxurious and exclusive hospitality and service experience in the air.”
If Gino has any regrets, it’s only that the flight is going to be so short.
“For the first time in my flying experience, I really don’t know what to expect but I do know that flying in the Residence by Etihad will be a truly unique adventure, the top of luxury,” Gino says.
“I have huge expectations. My only wish is that the flight was longer.”