Etihad Airways Set To Revolutionize Premium Travel From Australia With The Introduction Of The Airbus A350-1000 On Sydney-Abu Dhabi Route Starting October 2025

Etihad Airways is set to transform its Australian routes with the introduction of the state-of-the-art Airbus A350-1000, marking a significant upgrade to the Sydney-Abu Dhabi service. Starting from October 2025, this cutting-edge aircraft will replace the older Boeing 777s, offering passengers an elevated travel experience with enhanced comfort and luxury. The A350-1000, known for its advanced technology, quieter cabins, and increased fuel efficiency, will also feature the airline’s second-generation Boeing 787-9 Business Suites on both Sydney and Melbourne services, further boosting premium seating by over 20%. With this upgrade, Etihad continues to raise the bar for long-haul travel, ensuring a more comfortable and luxurious journey for travelers heading to the Middle East.

Etihad Airways is preparing for a significant upgrade to its Australian routes, set to introduce a new level of comfort and luxury to travelers flying between Sydney and Abu Dhabi. Beginning 1 October 2025, Etihad Airways will introduce its flagship Airbus A350-1000 on the Sydney–Abu Dhabi route, replacing the existing Boeing 777 aircraft. Additionally, the airline will introduce its second-generation Boeing 787-9 Business Suites on both Sydney and Melbourne services. These changes will bring about a notable 20% increase in premium seating and will mark the retirement of the older Boeing 777 aircraft from Australian skies. While the Sydney route will transition fully to the new aircraft by early 2026, Melbourne’s service won’t receive its upgraded business class product until February 2026.

Retiring the Boeing 777 from Australian Routes

One of the major highlights of this transformation is the removal of Etihad’s older Boeing 777-300ER aircraft from Australia. These aircraft, which are currently serving the Sydney and Melbourne routes, are equipped with older business class cabins that have not kept up with the competition. Airlines like Emirates and Qatar Airways have long set the standard with their more modern, luxurious business class offerings, making Etihad’s older 777 business class seats appear less competitive by comparison.

The retirement of these aircraft is a welcome move for travelers, who can expect a more comfortable and modern experience onboard. The Boeing 777’s replacement, the Airbus A350-1000, is known for its advanced technology and comfort features. With a redesigned cabin that includes more spacious seating, improved air quality, and reduced noise levels, the A350-1000 promises to elevate the travel experience for Etihad’s premium passengers.

Enhancing Premium Service

The introduction of the Airbus A350-1000 and the Boeing 787-9 Business Suites is part of Etihad’s commitment to providing superior service for its passengers. With these new aircraft, the airline is bringing a modernized cabin experience that will appeal particularly to business and first-class travelers. Etihad’s Business Suite, featured on the Boeing 787-9, offers sliding doors for greater privacy, lie-flat beds, and direct aisle access, enhancing the overall in-flight experience.

For those interested in redeeming Etihad Guest Miles, the one-way Business Suite ticket from Sydney to Abu Dhabi will cost 120,000 miles plus AU\$116 in taxes and fees. Australian travelers can also take advantage of their American Express Membership Rewards points, which can be transferred to Etihad Guest Miles at a 2:1 ratio. This means that 240,000 MR points will cover the cost of a Business Suite ticket. Availability for these seats is already quite favorable, and with the introduction of a second daily Airbus A350-1000 rotation in early 2026, the options will likely become even more abundant.

Upgrade Timeline and Key Dates

Etihad has outlined a detailed timeline for the transition to its new fleet, ensuring a smooth and gradual enhancement to its services. The schedule is as follows:

• 1 July 2025: Etihad will increase the number of weekly Sydney flights to ten. These flights will be serviced by a combination of Boeing 787-9 (Business Studio) and Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. Passengers on these services will notice improved premium seating with the introduction of the second-generation Business Suites on select Boeing 787-9 flights.
• 3 August 2025: Five rotations of flights EY451/EY450 will switch to the new Boeing 787-9 aircraft featuring the Business Suites with sliding doors. This change will mark the beginning of the phase-out of older Boeing 787-9 aircraft, which have been serving the route until now.
• 1 October 2025: Etihad will roll out the Airbus A350-1000 on four of its weekly Sydney flights, replacing the Boeing 777 on these services. The Saturday service, however, will remain on the Boeing 787-9 for the time being. The introduction of the Airbus A350-1000 on this route marks a milestone for Etihad, as it becomes the first of the new aircraft’s operations to Australia.
  1 February 2026: From this date onwards, all flights from Sydney will be serviced by the Airbus A350-1000, ensuring a uniform, premium experience across the entire route. This marks the full completion of the fleet transition for the Sydney–Abu Dhabi service.
• 1 February 2026: Melbourne will see its upgrade to the new Boeing 787-9 aircraft with Business Suites featuring sliding doors. This upgrade will follow the completion of the Sydney fleet transition to the Airbus A350-1000, ensuring that Etihad’s entire Australian network benefits from the latest in aviation technology and passenger comfort.

The Future of Etihad’s Australian Services

Etihad’s new fleet upgrades are not just about replacing older aircraft with newer ones. They represent a significant leap forward in the airline’s efforts to enhance its global offering and provide passengers with the very best in modern travel. As one of the world’s leading airlines, Etihad is fully committed to delivering an exceptional travel experience for its premium passengers.

The addition of the Airbus A350-1000 on the Sydney–Abu Dhabi route is particularly significant. The A350-1000 is known for its efficiency, quieter cabins, and environmentally-friendly features, making it an ideal choice for long-haul routes. The increased frequency of flights, coupled with the improvements in premium seating, will undoubtedly make Etihad an even more attractive option for travelers heading between Australia and the Middle East.

Etihad Airways is set to revolutionize its Australian routes by introducing the Airbus A350-1000 on the Sydney-Abu Dhabi service from October 2025, replacing older Boeing 777s and enhancing premium travel. The airline’s fleet upgrade promises an elevated travel experience with luxurious amenities and increased comfort.

With the transition set to be fully completed by early 2026, Etihad Airways is poised to offer a world-class experience on its Australian routes, raising the bar for competitors in the region and cementing its reputation as a leader in luxury air travel. Whether flying in Business Class or enjoying the comfort of the new Business Suites, travelers can look forward to a refined, top-tier experience from one of the world’s finest airlines.

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