Craig Thomas, Etihad Airways country manager for South Africa, said: “Up until now we have been servicing our passengers in economy and business class only — and we are very excited about introducing the first class product on our new daily service operating from Johannesburg.”

Etihad’s first class product will be available on selected flights on Mondays and Wednesdays between the 28 March and the 15 May. Then, from the 18 May onwards, the first class product will be available on all Etihad flights from Johannesburg.

The first class offering features significant enhancements to the way Etihad serves its customers in the air and on the ground. The new first class suites feature revolutionary seats that rotate 180 degrees, creating the perfect setting for up to four passengers to get together for a business meeting or relax over dinner and recline into a 6ft 8-inch flat bed.

Etihad Airways was voted the world’s leading first class airline in December 2008 in the World Travel Awards. First class passengers can look forward to an in-flight dining programme hosted by their very own food and beverage manager, with individual table service features including specially-designed china, exquisite table linen, silver plated cutlery and quality glassware.

Passengers can eat ‘on demand’, anytime, from a la carte fine dining menus or opt for kitchen style snacks — and can also take advantage of an in-seat massager and more than 500 hours of on-demand entertainment provided via individual 17.3 inch screens, operated by touch-screen technology.

Etihad offers daily flights from OR Tambo International airport in Johannesburg to Abu Dhabi, perfectly timed to connect onwards to nine destinations in Europe, as well as a host of cities in the Middle East and Asia. South African passport holders do not require transit visas to transfer through Abu Dhabi Airport, making it an easier and more cost-effective transit option than London’s Heathrow Airport.

Reservations can be made by calling toll free 0800 98 2363 or visiting www.etihadairways.com.