Etihad to fly Boeing 787 Dreamliner on Singapore-Abu Dhabi route
By Chris C., May 8 2015
Virgin Australia partner Etihad Airways will upgrade its Singapore-Abu Dhabi flights to a Boeing 787-9 from August 1 2015.
Taking the place of the current Airbus A330, the Dreamliner introduces Etihad first class to Changi Airport: in fact, eight of Etihad’s brand new first class suites, complete with a chilled mini-bar and the option of adjoining seats or total privacy...
... which Brisbane residents can also enjoy from June 1 when its own flights are upgraded to the Dreamliner.
Also aboard, the new Business Studio business class cabin, which provides all of its 28 passengers with direct access to the aircraft aisle and a fully-flat bed that's perfect for an overnight flight...
... and in economy, you'll find 199 comfortable smart seats with a 'fixed wing' headrest to maximise your space without ending up on your seatmate's shoulder.
Relax, you're flying in Etihad's new 'smart seat'
The daily EY473 service will also be re-timed to depart Singapore at 8:10pm to reach Abu Dhabi at 11:45pm on the same evening.
On the return leg as EY470, travellers will be wheels-up from Abu Dhabi at 10pm to arrive into Singapore at 10:15am the next morning.
Closer to home, Etihad will bring its flagship A380 to Sydney from June 1, with Melbourne-Abu Dhabi to get its own superjumbo service at a later date.
Perth is also earmarked for the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner in 2016 or 2017, but a firm date hasn't been locked in.
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Chris is a a former contributor to Executive Traveller.
04 Jul 2013
Total posts 22
Having experience both Business & First on the new Etihad 787's the product is second-to-none. Absolutely supurb!
23 Feb 2015
Total posts 262
I am currently helping my parents work out the best way to Europe and back, with the key requirement being ideally three day flights in both direction ( Melbourne, Singapore, Middle East, London and return using same path). They are oneworld members so have a preference for those airlines, but this suggests there could be a good alternative to consider.
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10 Jan 2012
Total posts 259
If they are QF members the obvious choice would be QF/EK (on QF codes) MEL-SIN-DXB-LHR/LGW.
Alternatively QF MEL-SIN potentially on refurbed A333, then QR SIN-DOH-LHR on 787/A380.
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