Etihad upgrades Sydney, Melbourne to all-suites in business class
Enjoy greater comfort and privacy on the 14-hour journey to Etihad’s Abu Dhabi hub.
By David Flynn, February 4 2026
Executive Traveller exclusive
Etihad Airways is now offering its latest business class suites on all Sydney and Melbourne flights, as the Gulf carrier sharpens its luxury focus on the premium business and leisure market.
In Sydney, the older Boeing 777s have made way for the modern Airbus A350-1000 and its private business class suites.
Etihad's A350 business class.
Each of the 44 business class suites boasts creature comforts such as an 18.5-inch HD video screen with Bluetooth pairing, USB-C power and wireless charging, while the A350 itself ensures a quieter and more comfortable ride for every passenger from tip to tail.
Etihad's A350 business class.
Executive Traveller review: Etihad Airways A350 business class
Arik De, Etihad’s Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, says the A350s “grow overall seat availability by 10%, and premium seat count by over 20%.”
Etihad's A350 business class.
That represents a significant capacity boost for Etihad flights between Sydney and the airline’s Abu Dhabi hub.
“This growth provides more seamless travel options to key destinations in Europe, the Middle East and Africa and also welcomes more visitors to our home in Abu Dhabi, where they can enjoy our exclusive stopover programme, featuring one or two-night complimentary stays at a premium hotel.”
Etihad’s growing global network will extend to over 100 destinations by the end of 2026.
Melbourne has likewise been upgraded to Etihad’s latest Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, with 32 doored business class suites.
Etihad's new 787-9 business class.
As you’d expect, these suites cocoon each passenger in a private space with a fully-flat 78-inch bed, generous personal storage areas and a bevvy of charging options including universal AC, USB-A, USB-C and wireless charging.
High-tech touches include Ultra 4K monitors and Bluetooth headphone pairing, while the inflight Wi-Fi service supports high-speed streaming-ready connections as well as live TV news and sport channels.
Etihad's new 787-9 business class.
Etihad also plans to boost Melbourne to a convenient double-daily schedule in the second half of 2027, when its new Airbus A330neo fleet will free up additional Boeing Dreamliners.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
13 May 2015
Total posts 14
Shame that when there was EY and VA partnership, they continued to fly their oldest and crappiest J class product. And now the partnership is ended, planes have been upgraded as well as the product.
17 Nov 2023
Total posts 70
Even though I live in Melbourne, I'm happy to fly to Sydney to get on the A350s :)
28 Sep 2022
Total posts 30
Nice, I think it's needed to compete as they don't have any local partners. What I really want to see them is pushing lower prices than EK, QR and SQ as well.
Hi Guest, join in the discussion on Etihad upgrades Sydney, Melbourne to all-suites in business class