Etihad's New Business Class Suites Coming to Australia in 2025
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If you’ve been holding off on flying Etihad out of Australia, this might be your reason to finally book that upgrade.
Starting later this year, Etihad Airways is rolling out its newest business class suites on routes between Australia and Abu Dhabi—and they’re an absolute game changer for premium flyers.
We’re talking about private suites with sliding doors, lie-flat seats, wireless charging, USB-C ports, and massive 4K entertainment screens. It’s the same setup passengers are already loving on Etihad’s A350s, and now the Dreamliners flying out of Sydney and Melbourne are getting the same five-star treatment.
Sydney Goes All-Suites
From July 2025, Sydney will start to see more Etihad flights with these next-gen business suites, with the full rollout expected by early 2026. The airline is phasing out its older Boeing 777s and gradually replacing them with brand-new Boeing 787-9s and Airbus A350-1000s.
The end result? By February 2026, all Etihad flights from Sydney to Abu Dhabi will feature the newest all-suite business class setup. That’s a big win for Aussie travellers who want that private jet feeling—without the private jet price tag.
Melbourne Gets a Slice Too
Melbourne travellers, you’re not being left out.
From October 2025, Etihad will adjust its Melbourne schedule to make things a bit more streamlined. And by February 2026, the city’s Boeing 787s will also be upgraded with the new suites. That includes better business class seating and upgraded inflight WiFi that supports free messaging and low-cost unlimited internet.
This means both of Australia’s major east coast gateways will offer the latest Etihad product—making long-haul flights to Europe, the Middle East, and beyond a much smoother, more luxurious ride.
Etihad + Qantas: A New Kind of Partnership
With Etihad parting ways with Virgin Australia, a new interline agreement with Qantas kicks off June 1st. This means easier connections for domestic and international flights, with through-checked luggage and simplified bookings. You’ll still earn points on both Qantas and Etihad flights, though this isn’t a full codeshare or loyalty partnership just yet.
Why This Matters for Smart Travellers
If you’re using points, cash fares, or a mix of both—Etihad’s shift to an all-suite business class cabin out of Australia is something to pay attention to. These are the kinds of upgrades that used to cost a fortune, but with the right hacks (and some help from yours truly), you can experience them without blowing your budget.
Want help navigating the changes and scoring your next luxury flight at economy prices? That’s exactly what we do at Business Class Hacks.