Are airlines finally catching up to cruise? Etihad has announced The Residence, a new luxury living space, which will be made available on its A380 aircraft from Abu Dhabi to Europe.

Around US$20,000 will buy a living room, separate double bedroom and en suite shower room and use of a personal butler trained by the Savoy Butler Academy in London.

President and chief executive James Hogan said the living spaces will alter air travellers’ expectations of inflight comfort and luxury.

“These new living spaces will raise inflight product and service standards to their highest level yet in commercial aviation,” he said.

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The Abu Dhabi-based airline also announced changes to its cabin classes.

Etihad has allocated the upper deck of the A380 to its premium cabins.

On the B787, Etihad Airways has designed an enhanced First Suite, adding many new features including a chilled mini-bar.

The Business Studio and Economy Smart Seat will feature on both the A380 and the B787.

Other onboard changes include the latest Panasonic eX3 entertainment system, which features improved gaming and high definition screens across all cabins, 750 hours of entertainment, video touchscreen handsets and noise cancelling headsets.

The A380 aircraft will have full mobile and Wi-Fi service while the B787 will be equipped with Wi-Fi.

See Danni Minogue’s tour in the video below.