[PHOTOS] Milan Says “Buongiorno” to Etihad’s New Amenities and Daily Dreamliner Service From Abu Dhabi

A 17th century Baroque palace in the heart of Milan served as the backdrop for Etihad Airways’ celebration of new amenity kits by Italian luxury brand Acqua di Parma, the recent deployment of Dreamliners on its Abu Dhabi-Milan route and its lasting commitment to the Italian market – over 10 years since its entry.

In celebration of Etihad Airways’ recent deployment of Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft on its daily flight to Milan and its new amenity kits by Acqua di Parma, the airline hosted a reception at the Palazzo Clerici, located in the center of the Italian city. The new Dreamliners, which began servicing the route last month, feature 28 Business Studios and 271 Economy Smart Seats, and will soon be among the first in the airline’s fleet to feature its new Economy Space seating. Milan became Etihad’s first Italian destination when it began offering flights to the city in 2007, and continues to represent an important market for the Middle Eastern carrier.

“Etihad has carried over 1.4 million guests to and from the city, and the route continues to enjoy strong demand from both business and leisure travelers alike,” said Robin Kamark, COO. Etihad Aviation Group COO . “The tremendous support and recognition Etihad has received in recent years from Italian guests, partners and stakeholders has been instrumental in strengthening our position as a leader in this important market.”

The event at the Italian Baroque palace, once home to the influential Clerici family, also served as a backdrop to highlight the airline’s long-standing partnership with Italian luxury brand Acqua Di Parma. The two first collaborated in 2014 when the airline began offering its toiletries in The Residence cabin on its Airbus A380 fleet. On display at the reception were the fruits of the brands’ latest tie-up, brokered by amenity kit supplier Buzz Products: a redesigned first-class kit in a new shape and new, yellow zipper pouches for business class. Also showcased at the event was the craftsmanship that goes into the making each of Acqua Di Parma’s yellow hatboxes and crystal bottles.

“We are extremely selective when choosing brands to associate with, but partnering with a world-leading airline like Etihad was a natural choice,” said Laura Burdese, CEO and President of Acqua di Parma. “I see this partnership as an enhancement of a relationship founded on the same shared values of excellence and quality.”