Etihad has revealed the configuration of its new fleet of Airbus A330neo aircraft at the front, and to anyone who has flown one of the newer A330neo, it will come as no surprise. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, it's simply an aircraft that has been proven and had no need to reinvent the wheel.

The Cabin Breakdown

A330neo will feature a combined 290 seats in three cabins:

• Ahead of them were four first class seats 
• 24 business class seats
• There are 252 economy seats, all of which are filled.The remaining 252 places are economy seats which are all filled

The premium cabins will feature the Thompson Aero Vantage XL seat designed in staggered configuration which has become an industry standard configuration on this type of aircraft. The configuration will be familiar to frequent flyers that will find the seat on A330neos operated by Delta, ITA Airways and Virgin Atlantic. Modern technology to be used throughout and privacy doors to be erected at every seat.

What was the reason behind Etihad's decision to go with a familiar seat?

It's not like there wasn't enough creativity for Etihad. It's also narrower than an aircraft like the A350; this means that fewer seating products can be fitted or certified on the A330neo. With that limitation, the VANCE XL made perfect sense given that it is proven, available and not a new type of seat, which can cause a lengthy certification process.

In conclusion: safe, well-executed and not a revolutionary choice, but considering the physical capabilities of the aircraft, you can't fault it.

This is a Closer Look at First Class

It's the one row of first class up front and what Etihad is doing with it that is the more interesting story. It is not a distinct cabin area but rather only a partial partition is between business class and it. In reality, this is more akin to an improved version of economy class than to business class; it is just the same bulkhead space as the other seats are using, but in a higher-class seat.

It is certainly a functional and reliable product without any award-winning designs. Again, it would be the case for just about anything that is airborne at the moment on an A330.

This is Etihad's Bigger First Class Strategy

This is part of a wider transformation for Etihad. The airline had virtually discontinued first class service, retaining it just on a few of its Boeing 787-9 and small Airbus A380 jets, which languished in the ground for a while. Leaders have obviously got warmer towards the concept, and it seems that first class is making its way to a much more substantial proportion of the fleet.

This has happened before with Etihad's new Airbus A321LRs, which have first class seating at the front of the plane, but it is actually a first class upgraded version of a business class seat. Typically, such labelling would stretch a person's imagination. The magic here is the price the Etihad does in fact have different first-class rates by aircraft. It's a good thing the A321LR tickets are a shade cheaper than the A380 - it's not like I was expecting them to be exactly the same price. And of course, on the A321LR, the service itself is outstanding and there are only two first class seats on board, so there's no better way for the cabin crew to attend to passengers than to be in that plane.

We can expect the same treatment on the A330neo. A number of airlines provide a similar "business class plus" experience but Etihad are standing behind it with a range of additional touches and service as first class. Finally, another interesting tidbit: When they go into service, Etihad will become one of only two airlines in the world to carry first class in the A330neo, the other being Air Côte d'Ivoire.

The Bottom Line

The airline will add four more E200s to the fleet to help support growth on its medium-haul routes, and these aircraft will arrive in 2027. The airline will receive its additional four E200s in 2027 to complement its medium-haul growth. The aircraft's cabin limits mean business class will be based on the much-used Vantage XL seat.

The more significant is the single row of first class at the forward end, which is something Etihad has already done on its A321LR and is moving to in this case, sell and charge its business class as a higher value product. Maybe not the most aggressive first class product in the sky but a considered evolution of the way Etihad are looking at their front cabin product fleet-wide.