A 20% increase in premium capacity from Sydney to Abu Dhabi is on the horizon as Etihad Airways confirmed it would introduce its A350-1000 aircraft to the route from 1 October 2025.
Initially joining the schedule on select flights, the A350, complete with 44 sliding door Business Studios, will complement Etihad’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner services currently serving the route. However, by 31 January 2026, all 10 weekly Sydney services will be A350-operated.
Melbourne will be served daily by Etihad’s 787-9 aircraft which also features the Business Suites and increased premium capacity.
“We are delighted to bring more premium travel options to Australia with the arrival of our A350 on this important route,” Etihad Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer Arike De said. “When the schedule is fully deployed early next year, we will have grown overall seat availability by ten per cent, and premium seat count by over 20%.
“We have increased our flight frequencies to Sydney this year, offering guests greater flexibility and enhanced connectivity across our expanding global network. This growth provides more seamless travel options to key destinations in Europe, the Middle East and Africa and also welcomes more visitors to our home in Abu Dhabi, where they can enjoy our exclusive stopover program, featuring one or two-night complimentary stays at a premium hotel.” Powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, the Airbus A350 is “one of the most efficient” aircraft types in the world, according to Etihad, with 25% less fuel burn and CO2 emissions than previous models. The aircraft also features Etihad’s newest cabin interior. In addition to facing forward with direct aisle access, every Business Class seat is designed for maximum comfort and converts into a fully flat bed of 79 inches in length, with ample storage for convenience. Noise-cancelling headphones and an 18.5-inch TV screen are also provided as well as a built-in wireless charging dock and Bluetooth headphone pairing. The A350 is also fitted with 327 Economy Smart Seats with an innovative recline, 13-inch touch screen with Bluetooth headset pairing. All guests can also take advantage of complimentary Chat packages on Wi-Fi or opt for full surfing throughout the flight.
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“We have increased our flight frequencies to Sydney this year, offering guests greater flexibility and enhanced connectivity across our expanding global network. This growth provides more seamless travel options to key destinations in Europe, the Middle East and Africa and also welcomes more visitors to our home in Abu Dhabi, where they can enjoy our exclusive stopover program, featuring one or two-night complimentary stays at a premium hotel.” Powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, the Airbus A350 is “one of the most efficient” aircraft types in the world, according to Etihad, with 25% less fuel burn and CO2 emissions than previous models. The aircraft also features Etihad’s newest cabin interior. In addition to facing forward with direct aisle access, every Business Class seat is designed for maximum comfort and converts into a fully flat bed of 79 inches in length, with ample storage for convenience. Noise-cancelling headphones and an 18.5-inch TV screen are also provided as well as a built-in wireless charging dock and Bluetooth headphone pairing. The A350 is also fitted with 327 Economy Smart Seats with an innovative recline, 13-inch touch screen with Bluetooth headset pairing. All guests can also take advantage of complimentary Chat packages on Wi-Fi or opt for full surfing throughout the flight.
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