Etihad Airways has unveiled the next generation of its global lounge experience, beginning with a transformed London Heathrow lounge set to open in summer 2027, the airline said in a statement on Wednesday.

The Heathrow lounge will be the first to introduce Etihad's new "Beyond Borders" design language to the ground experience, marking the start of a new design cycle intended to create a more consistent look and feel across the airline's lounges and aircraft, according to the statement.

The new lounge experience is part of Etihad's wider Beyond Borders product initiative, which spans the airline's aircraft, lounges, dining, amenities, connectivity, and service. The statement said the project is part of Etihad's $20 billion investment in new aircraft and customer experience, which includes a $1 billion fleet retrofit programme.

Each new lounge will include dedicated spaces for Business and First Class guests, along with private suites for passengers travelling in The Residence, Etihad's premium cabin, the airline said.

Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer at Etihad Airways, said the London Heathrow lounge represents a significant step forward for the airline. "It will be the first lounge to bring our new design language fully to life on the ground, creating a space that feels uniquely Etihad and distinctly connected to Abu Dhabi," he said.

De said the aim was for guests to recognise a consistent Etihad identity across their journey, even if individual spaces and aircraft differ. "London is the beginning. As we expand our lounge network, we have an opportunity to create a more consistent premium experience on the ground while continuing to bring the warmth and character of Abu Dhabi to our guests around the world," he said.

The design language, described by the airline as "from sand to superstructure," draws on Abu Dhabi's natural landscape and architecture and was first introduced in Etihad's new aircraft interiors before being extended to the lounge environment, the statement said.

The lounge announcement follows the debut of Etihad's new A330 cabin and the Beyond Borders design on its A321LR aircraft at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai this week, according to the airline. — Etihad Airways