It’s an exciting time for Etihad Airways, as the airline has operated its first passenger flight with the A350-1000. Etihad Airways has five Airbus A350-1000s, which have been delivered to the airline in the past couple of years. However, up until now the planes hadn’t flown a single commercial flight. That has finally changed, and…
Continue reading: Which Routes Feature The Etihad Airways A350?
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
I just flew EY to MNL from AUH the other day. Sure, it was on the older 777 but the service was still wonderful in Business and, though the flight full, was well carried off as a whole. Dubai is becoming so last decade as well. Abu Dhabi is becoming its own unique destination with better beaches than Dubai and more relaxed rules to match them. Even during Ramadan they are loosening up for those at resorts. They will find a niche and an alternative to EK, which I also love.
As far as connectivity goes AUH is far less bling than DXB or DOH, but that's ok, it's also getting much quieter and more peaceful as to connections. And with USA pre clearance offers a very unique aspect for traveling to the states.
They will figure this out and are on the right track. I expect a more Qatar approach to business class, no more first, and a better product overall as they find their footing. And with Aeroplan and AA as redemption partners it's an attractive source for flights to most anywhere in the middle or east.
Agree on Abu Dhabi - better beaches and I enjoy being there in general. yes - the service on Etihad is still good. I enjoy flying them.
Any idea what Etihad first class is like these days? I’d be curious to try it before it disappears altogether but maybe it’s not worth it if it’s a shell of its former self.
@ Motion to Dismiss -- I think service has been mostly restored, though there's no longer an inflight chef. I wouldn't get too excited about the soft product, since it's really the A380 that was most exciting pre-pandemic.
I have EY First booked in October from AUH to LHR! Hope there are no cuts before then!
Airfares are generally higher these days but EY’s prices are ridiculous. I’m sitting on $5k of credits that expire soon but the fares make it impossible for me to book for my family. The routes I am looking at are $6k total with other airlines and similar routing, and $12k with EY. They are refusing to extend the expiry date.
Any idea if a sale is forthcoming?! I am looking to travel in December.
First in the Etihad B787-9 DreamLiner is my favorite class on my favorite plane
Looking forward to enjoying this AUH IAD on RTW22 Birthday Trip in July Definitely one of the best ways to come home along w LH B747-8i InterContinental
Just did Business CDG-AUH-CMB AUH-CDG on 787-800 and 787-900. The service was impeccable, the cabins while not as bling as Qatar are excellent. Had long layovers both ways in AUH so stayed Premier Inn at Airport which was excellent ( three time better and and about a third of the price of the airside hotel ). In and out of Abu Dhabi was so simple ( AU passport ). But overall, look out Qatar, EY are coming after you.... QR have become very complacent ( they just reintroduced Award booking Fees ) after saying they wouldn't. And try and get through to their call-centre these days LOL. If EY would just join an Alliance, as an ex-pat living in Sri Lanka, I would drop QR in a heartbeat. Even though Emerald One world is the best for benefits in my opinion, I prefer the on-board capability of EY rather than the bling on QR on-ground.
Wow the Bluetooth pairing I feel definitely sets this apart... Does any other airline have that?
I was looking for the embedded Etihad Airways A350 videos in your post on YouTube and could not find them. And then I noticed they are unlisted videos when opened in YouTube. Do you have special access to these videos considering they would have been shared by a link to you
Fingers crossed for Toronto to receive the A350-1000!!
Right behind you, mate! Even though EY have had rough patches, I still rank them as a quality airline, and this new seat/plane only cements my view. Was seriously impressed with my first EY flight out of BNE to SIN in 2012, and I've tried to fly with them whenever I could, if SQ is not an option. And that Premier Inn Hotel option at the airport is so handy and well priced. Also a fan of QR, but several of their recent moves have been a bit off-putting, like those fees. Now if only that Midfield Terminal would open already!
I'm flying on the EY A350 tomorrow. Looking forward to seeing the new product!
Exciting. I will be in Cairo during the launch period. Are we sure that it's only 4x/week. I looked at the calendar and it appears that it's 5x, yeah?
Love these “which routes” series. We probably need a “which routes did Emirates sell you an A380 J ticket but switched it for a 777” as well.
that sucks, etihad a350-1,000 should make iad, ewr, & swf directly non-stop to auh.
that sucks, etihad a350-1,000 should make iad, ewr, swf, & isp directly non-stop to auh.
that sucks etihad airbus a350-1,000 should make iad & ewr directly non-stop to auh
The first A350 flight from ORD actually seems to be on June 30th, not July 1st (and the cash ticket cost for EY business seem to drop significantly on that date onwards from ORD).