Even with all the 21^st-century innovations leading to bigger and better accommodations in airline premium cabins, the debut of Etihad Airways’ The Residence — a three-room suite with a living room, a separate bedroom and an en suite bathroom — left me a bit in awe. On line to service the carrier’s Abu Dhabi (AUH)–London (LHR) route beginning in December 2014, the 125-square-foot suite features a Poltrona Frau leather double-seat sofa with ottoman, two dining tables, a chilled drinks cabinet, a 32-inch flat-screen TV and a designated butler. But when the sense of awe subsided, I couldn’t help wondering about the economics of the decision to introduce such decadent accommodations on board an Etihad Airways’ Airbus A380. Why would the carrier pull out however many first- and/or- business-class seats to make room for a maximum of two passengers flying in The Residence? Even at an eye-popping fare, would one roundtrip in The Residence make up for the loss of multiple first-class fares? Where did they find the space? I voiced these questions to Geert Boven, senior vice president, The Americas, Etihad Airways, in Newport, R.I., last week. We were having lunch following a morning sail on Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing team’s Azzam. Sponsored by Etihad, the 65-foot sailboat is a contender in the upcoming Volvo Ocean Race. (More about that in another blog.) Without missing a beat, Geert reached for a napkin and quickly folded it into a paper airplane. Here, he explained, pointing to the space in the nose of the plane, usually below the cockpit. There’s nothing there. It’s empty space. Turns out Etihad took inspiration from the savvy configuration of boats designed for ocean racing — vessels that strategically make the most of every square inch of space to stay light and functional. Ah ha! Now I get it. PHOTO | © Jocic | Dreamstime.com — Lisa Matte, editor in chief