Etihad finally brings its Airbus A350 to Australia for first time
They're not new, but one of Etihad Airways' most sumptuous business cabins in the air will be flying between Sydney and Etihad's base of Abu Dhabi from October.
The airline's Airbus A350-1000 aircraft are being deployed on the route, having been fitted out with 44 business class 'suites' in 2019. These include privacy doors, giving the occupants the feeling of first class in the lesser-yet-still-bougie cabin.
Technologically, the aircraft is one of the most efficient in the sky, with its carbon polymer construction contributing to fewer emissions, faster speeds and superior cabin atmosphere comfort, no matter the class of seat.
And as every long-haul traveller knows, the type of aircraft running a service makes a difference to whether you arrive refreshed or otherwise.
From October 1, the A350 will join the Sydney schedule on select flights, alongside the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner that's serving the route at present. Both aircraft carry the business suites.
From January 31, 2026, all 10 of Etihad's weekly Sydney services will operate on A350. Melbourne will be served daily by the 787-9.
Either way, Australian passengers will transit through Zayed International Airport, which opened in late 2023 and was recently named the world's most beautiful airport at the World Architecture and Design Awards.
The $4.8 billion it cost to build isn't all about beauty, though. The airport is rolling out latest AI systems that include facial recognition and other smart-passenger add-ons, so it's possible for international travellers to get from their kerbside drop-off to the gate in 12 minutes.
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Etihad finally brings its Airbus A350 to Australia for first time
They're not new, but one of Etihad Airways' most sumptuous business cabins in the air will be flying between Sydney and Etihad's base of Abu Dhabi from October. The airline's Airbus A350-1000 aircraft are being deployed on the route, having been fitted out with 44 business class 'suites' in 2019. These include privacy doors, giving the occupants the feeling of first class in the lesser-yet-still-bougie cabin. Technologically, the aircraft is one of the most efficient in the sky, with its carbon polymer construction contributing to fewer emissions, faster speeds and superior cabin atmosphere comfort, no matter the class of seat. And as every long-haul traveller knows, the type of aircraft running a service makes a difference to whether you arrive refreshed or otherwise. From October 1, the A350 will join the Sydney schedule on select flights, alongside the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner that's serving the route at present. Both aircraft carry the business suites. From January 31, 2026, all 10 of Etihad's weekly Sydney services will operate on A350. Melbourne will be served daily by the 787-9. Either way, Australian passengers will transit through Zayed International Airport, which opened in late 2023 and was recently named the world's most beautiful airport at the World Architecture and Design Awards. The $4.8 billion it cost to build isn't all about beauty, though. The airport is rolling out latest AI systems that include facial recognition and other smart-passenger add-ons, so it's possible for international travellers to get from their kerbside drop-off to the gate in 12 minutes.
Sydney Morning Herald
5 hours ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
Etihad finally brings its Airbus A350 to Australia for first time
They're not new, but one of Etihad Airways' most sumptuous business cabins in the air will be flying between Sydney and Etihad's base of Abu Dhabi from October. The airline's Airbus A350-1000 aircraft are being deployed on the route, having been fitted out with 44 business class 'suites' in 2019. These include privacy doors, giving the occupants the feeling of first class in the lesser-yet-still-bougie cabin. Technologically, the aircraft is one of the most efficient in the sky, with its carbon polymer construction contributing to fewer emissions, faster speeds and superior cabin atmosphere comfort, no matter the class of seat. And as every long-haul traveller knows, the type of aircraft running a service makes a difference to whether you arrive refreshed or otherwise. From October 1, the A350 will join the Sydney schedule on select flights, alongside the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner that's serving the route at present. Both aircraft carry the business suites. From January 31, 2026, all 10 of Etihad's weekly Sydney services will operate on A350. Melbourne will be served daily by the 787-9. Either way, Australian passengers will transit through Zayed International Airport, which opened in late 2023 and was recently named the world's most beautiful airport at the World Architecture and Design Awards. The $4.8 billion it cost to build isn't all about beauty, though. The airport is rolling out latest AI systems that include facial recognition and other smart-passenger add-ons, so it's possible for international travellers to get from their kerbside drop-off to the gate in 12 minutes.
