Etihad Airways launches new program to improve sleep experience

Long-haul travelers can now look forward to a nice quality sleep when taking Etihad Airways flights. Media reports recently said that Etihad Airways has recently embarked on a new program aimed at vastly improving the sleep quality of its premium customers when flying long-haul.

The airline had been working on its new program ever since July 2012. Etihad Airways officials said that the airline had closely worked with sleep experts associated with the American Centre for Psychiatry and Neurology (ACPN). The airline in association with ACPN extensively researched on how to improve sleep quality further in-flight. The research work was undertaken in the UAE capital Abu Dhabi, where the airline has its main hub.

According to the airline, the center where the research was undertaken comprised of neurologists and psychiatrists duly certified by the American Board. The researchers are renowned and have vast experience in the area of aviation health.

Media reports said that Etihad Airways UAE’s national carrier has prepared a comprehensive in-flight sleep guideline for its customers based on the clinical studies by ACPN on the airline’s travelers who experienced effects because of long-haul flights. The expert guidance on on-baord wellbeing and sleep hygiene by the ACPN greatly helped in formulating the guidelines.

The customers traveling in the airline’s Diamond First Class are now being provided with luxurious all-natural bedding as part of its sleep initiative. The bedding has been designed by COCO-MAT, an Athens-based company. The company is acknowledged among the leading producer of sustainable sleep products in the world. The company was also hired to design multi-layered sleep mattress exclusively for the airline’s Diamond First Class suites.

Extracts of Hevea tree have been used to design the unique mattress, which is being considered as healthier option to petroleum-based foams generally used for the purpose. This unique mattress is in fact a natural rubber acclaimed for its elastic characteristic. It has tiny holes perforated in it for creating everlasting airing system allowing it to breathe as well as regulate temperature of traveler’s body.

In order to heighten the sleep experience, the sleep amenities being provided by the airline to its Diamond First Class customers include a wide choice of Bergamote 22 toiletries by New York-based Le Labo brand, pulse point oil, unique pillow mist, and fine cotton Heather Grey sleepsuits. Similarly, the customers traveling in Pearl Business Class will be offered pillows, blankets and high quality comforters. The customers traveling in Coral Economy Class will also be offered similar facilities offered to those traveling in the airline’s business class flights. The airline also indicated that its unique Sougha amenity kits will be offered to travelers across all classes. The exclusive Sougha amenity kits draw great inspiration from the traditional Emirati artisanal designs. By introducing these in-flight amenities, the airline wants to offer its customers best sleep experience by focusing on their senses of touch, taste, aroma, sound and sight.

Etihad Airways will also be focusing on providing home comforts to its customers traveling in all three classes. Beverage service during sleep-time such as herbal teas and hot chocolate will be offered to the customers.