Etihad Airways has officially completed a major premium upgrade for Australian travellers, with every Etihad flight to and from Australia now featuring the airline’s latest‑generation Business Class suites. The milestone follows the introduction of the Boeing 787‑9 on the Melbourne–Abu Dhabi route, bringing fully enclosed doored suites, next‑gen inflight entertainment, and enhanced cabin capacity to all Australian services.
This move positions Etihad as the only Gulf carrier offering fully enclosed premium cabins on every Australia flight, reinforcing the airline’s growing commitment to the market.
Melbourne Welcomes the New Boeing 787-9 Etihad has transitioned its Melbourne service to the Boeing 787‑9 Dreamliner, increasing total capacity from 290 to 303 seats and introducing the airline’s newest cabin design across all classes.
The aircraft features:
- 32 enclosed Business Class suites with sliding doors
- Customised Collins Elements seats, introduced as a world‑first on Etihad’s 787s
- Increased suite height for enhanced privacy
This upgrade aligns Melbourne with Sydney, which transitioned to an all‑A350‑1000 operation in December—two months ahead of schedule due to strong demand.
What to Expect in Etihad’s Latest Business Class Etihad’s newest Business Class suites are designed for travellers who value privacy, comfort, and modern technology. Highlights include:
- Fully enclosed suites with sliding doors
- Lie‑flat beds and increased personal space
- Rave Ultra 4K screens by Safran
- Bluetooth headphone pairing
- Device‑to‑screen connectivity
- High‑speed Wi‑Fi with streaming capability
- Live TV, including news and sport
It’s a significant step up for long‑haul travellers flying between Australia and Abu Dhabi, whether continuing onward to Europe, the Middle East, or Africa.
Expanded Schedule for Australian Travellers Etihad’s updated Australian network now includes:
- Daily Boeing 787‑9 flights from Melbourne
- 10 weekly Airbus A350‑1000 flights from Sydney, including double‑daily services on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays
The A350‑1000 also features fully enclosed Business Class suites, ensuring a consistent premium experience across both cities.
A Stronger Commitment to Australia Etihad’s latest fleet upgrade underscores the airline’s long-standing investment in the Australian market. The introduction of the new 787‑9 on the Melbourne route strengthens its premium offering, complementing the recent shift to an all‑A350 operation in Sydney.
Together, these changes highlight Etihad’s focus on delivering a consistently elevated experience for Australian travellers, with enhanced privacy, comfort, and service across every cabin.
With both Sydney and Melbourne now operated exclusively by Etihad’s newest aircraft, the older Boeing 777‑300ER has officially exited Australian skies.
A New Era of Premium Travel for Australia For business travellers, frequent flyers, and luxury‑focused holidaymakers, Etihad’s upgrade marks a significant enhancement to Australia–Middle East travel. Fully enclosed suites, next‑generation entertainment, and modern cabin design now come standard on every Etihad flight to and from Australia.
More information is available at www.etihad.com.
