✈️ Etihad Upgrades Sydney Flights to All-A350, All-Suites Experience

✈️ Etihad Upgrades Sydney Flights to All-A350, All-Suites Experience

In a move that’s bound to excite business travellers and luxury flyers alike, Etihad Airways is making big moves out of Sydney — and it’s all about privacy, performance, and premium comfort.

Starting February 1, 2026, every Etihad flight from Sydney to Abu Dhabi will be operated by the Airbus A350-1000, delivering a consistent, elevated experience across the board. That means every seat in business class is a private suite with a sliding door. Goodbye awkward elbow bumps, hello sanctuary in the sky.

🔑 Key Highlights at a Glance:

  • Sydney to Abu Dhabi will go all-A350 from February 2026

  • Business class = private suites with sliding privacy doors

  • Flights increase from daily to 10x weekly from July 1, 2025

  • 20% increase in total premium cabin capacity

  • Melbourne gets new 787 business class suites from Feb 2026

🛫 What’s Changing and When

Right now, Etihad operates Sydney flights on a mix of Boeing 787s and aging 777s. But change is coming fast.

  • From July 1, 2025, Etihad boosts to 10 flights per week out of Sydney, with a split between afternoon and evening departures.

  • Then on October 1, the 777s start disappearing and are replaced by the A350-1000 on four flights per week.

  • Come February 2026, every single flight from Sydney will be operated by the A350. That’s when the all-suites, all-A350 era begins.

💺 Inside the A350: Etihad’s Business Class Suite

Etihad’s Airbus A350-1000 business class is a serious upgrade. Picture a fully enclosed suite, a lie-flat bed, and a generous 1-2-1 configuration, ensuring direct aisle access for every passenger. Add in sliding privacy doors, luxe finishes, and intuitive seat controls, and it’s essentially a boutique hotel room in the sky.

Other highlights:

  • 32 private business suites per aircraft

  • High-speed Wi-Fi with free messaging for Etihad Guest members

  • USB-C, AC power, wireless charging & 18.5” touchscreen

  • Optional unlimited Wi-Fi for just USD$10–$20

Etihad’s new product is tailored for business travellers, premium leisure passengers, and anyone who values a quieter, more controlled inflight experience.

🛬 What About Melbourne?

Melbourne doesn’t miss out. While it remains a Boeing 787-9 city, Etihad is adjusting its schedule from October 2025 to a more streamlined timetable. The new 787 business class suites, which mirror the A350 product, will roll out from February 2026.

  • Current Business Studio seats are being replaced with doored suites

  • High-speed Wi-Fi, free messaging, and the same slick aesthetic

  • Full upgrade aligns with Sydney’s transition to the A350

🌍 Why This Matters

This isn’t just a cosmetic refresh — Etihad’s move to an all-suites business class fleet for Sydney significantly boosts Australia’s connection to Abu Dhabi, Europe, and the Middle East.

More importantly, it signals a shift in how luxury and business travel is evolving: less noise, more privacy, and higher productivity in the air.

Whether you're a frequent flyer chasing status, a corporate road warrior, or just someone who appreciates the finer things at 40,000 feet, Etihad’s all-A350 schedule out of Sydney is a win.

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