ABU DHABI- Etihad Airways (EY) is set to launch the Airbus A350-1000 on its route from Sydney (SYD) to Abu Dhabi (AUH), starting on 1 October 2025. This new aircraft will provide luxurious Business Class suites and enhanced passenger comfort.
The airline plans to transition all ten of its weekly flights from Sydney to the A350 by 31 January 2026, replacing the Boeing 787-9 and significantly increasing its premium capacity on this critical Australia-UAE connection.
Etihad Airways’ choice to utilize the Airbus A350-1000 on this route signifies a strategic enhancement of its long-haul offerings.
Initially, select flights will operate using the A350 alongside the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner starting 1 October 2025, with the A350 becoming the sole aircraft for Sydney services by 31 January 2026.
This upgrade will increase seat capacity by 10% and enhance premium Business Class availability by over 20%.
The introduction of the A350 is part of a broader strategy to optimize network performance, complemented by daily A350 flights to Melbourne (MEL), which will continue to feature Etihad’s newest 787-9s outfitted with Business Suites. This initiative reaffirms the airline’s commitment to providing top-notch service at its key Australian hubs.
Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer at Etihad Airways, highlighted the airline’s dedication to premium travel and enhancing global connectivity.
The upgraded product aims to attract both Australian travelers heading abroad and international visitors transferring through Abu Dhabi to various destinations across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
A350-1000 Configuration
The Airbus A350-1000 represents Etihad’s latest advancements in cabin design, boasting fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines that achieve a 25% reduction in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions.
The Business Class cabin will feature 44 private Business Studios that come with sliding doors for privacy, direct aisle access, and lie-flat beds measuring 79 inches. Each suite is equipped with a wireless charging station, Bluetooth headphone compatibility, and an 18.5-inch touchscreen for in-flight entertainment.
Meanwhile, Economy Class will offer 327 Smart Seats with 13-inch touchscreens, innovative reclining capabilities, and Bluetooth connectivity.
Passengers in all classes will benefit from complimentary Chat packages over Wi-Fi or can choose to upgrade to full internet access throughout their journey.
These aircraft improvements are designed to meet the expectations of both business travelers and premium leisure customers looking for a contemporary, comfortable, and connected flying experience.
Updated Flight Schedules for Sydney Service
From 1 October 2025:
- EY450: Abu Dhabi (AUH) 10:25 → Sydney (SYD) 06:10 +1 (787-9) – Mon, Thu, Sat, Sun
- EY451: Sydney (SYD) 15:40 → Abu Dhabi (AUH) 00:05 +1 (787-9) – Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sun
- EY454: Abu Dhabi (AUH) 21:15 → Sydney (SYD) 16:55 +1 (A350) – Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun
- EY455: Sydney (SYD) 21:30 → Abu Dhabi (AUH) 06:00 +1 (A350) – Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat
From 31 January 2026 (full A350 deployment):
- EY450: Abu Dhabi (AUH) 09:40 → Sydney (SYD) 06:10 +1 – Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun
- EY451: Sydney (SYD) 16:20 → Abu Dhabi (AUH) 23:55 – Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sun
- EY454: Abu Dhabi (AUH) 21:55 → Sydney (SYD) 18:35 +1 – Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun
- EY455: Sydney (SYD) 21:30 → Abu Dhabi (AUH) 05:00 +1 – Mon to Fri, Sun
Emirates A350 to Australia
The rollout of Etihad’s A350 closely mirrors Emirates’ strategy to enhance its operations in Australia.
Emirates Airline (EK) is poised to elevate its premium service with the Airbus A350-900ULR, set to commence operations to Adelaide (ADL) from 1 December 2025.
Concurrent with this, Emirates is also expanding its fleet of retrofitted Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s to reach eight new global destinations, including major cities like Bangkok (BKK), Hong Kong (HKG), and Frankfurt (FRA), from Dubai International Airport (DXB).
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Based on an article from aviationa2z.com: https://aviationa2z.com/index.php/2025/06/02/etihad-deploys-a350-with-private-business-class-suites-to-sydney/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=etihad-deploys-a350-with-private-business-class-suites-to-sydney
