Washington: To celebrate the beginning of service between Dulles International Airport and Abu Dhabi on April 2, Etihad Airways' chief executive, James Hogan, made the 13-hour flight to Washington to host a party for 450 people with entertainment by Harry Connick Jr.
But do not try to talk to Hogan about New York. After four years of flying out of Kennedy International Airport, Etihad is still waiting to lease space for a premium airport lounge.
Emirates Airlines of Dubai, Etihad's competitor, has a 4,000-square-foot private waiting room overlooking the gate at Terminal 4, and business and first-class travelers can board the plane from there. This month, Delta Air Lines will open a Sky Club in the same terminal; at 24,000 square feet it will be the largest club at the airport and in the Delta system, with seating for 450 people and an additional 2,000 square feet dedicated to an outdoor deck.
Offering lavish airport services to premium-class passengers is a worldwide phenomenon.
01/05/13 New York Times/Economic Times
