Review: Ethiopian Airlines Business Class 787 Beijing To Addis Ababa

Nice doesn't seem too bad although that color scheme really hurts my eyes - I feel like I'm staring at lecture notes written only in highlighter --- ouch!

Good report, thanks Lucky! Just wanted to point out that you have " flat business class seats on a brand new hotel, but", I think you mean plane, not hotel! Trust me I'm no English major either. Can't wait to hear your thoughts on La Compagnie!

@ Alejandro -- Whoops, nice catch. Fixed, thanks.

"I still think it’s a big mistake to install angled flat business class seats on a brand new HOTEL[??], but compared to the 767..."

I think you're still a little jetlagged. 😉

Great review, as always.

@ Mark -- Perpetually!

Ethiopian service has always been lackluster in business class, and they really don't compete with the majors in hardware, either (pending BA's and AF's business class upgrades to fully flat horizontal seats). The only attraction I see is that they price their flights out lower than the competition, however for those who are less price conscious ET won't ever merit consideration, either via points or cash, unless someone had to go to a place that only ET services.

Great and thorough review as always! Thank you.

I wonder, did you find anything different in the 787 experience in comparison to other aircraft? Such as the air humidity (as advertised by Boeing) or the cabin noise?

@ Guillermo -- Was actually looking for that, but can't say I noticed a real difference.

"but compared to the 767 we were connecting to, they were basically heaven"

At least you got to retreat into the comfort of an ET 767 (as opposed to a Dash Q400...that would make a nice review).

Thank you for the informative trip report. I think I'd prefer economy class on a better airline and ambien, and save some miles. Interesting

Lucky, I wonder if the lack of centre overhead bins at the front of the cabin was due to the optional 787 pilot crew rest area? http://www.ausbt.com.au/cool-photos-inside-the-boeing-787-s-funky-crew-rest-loft

If true, it is more intriguing that the crew chose to rest in the cabin. Giving them benefit of the doubt, perhaps the cabin pilots were dead-heading and there were another two on duty pilots in the bunks. Unlikely, I know.

Looks similar to the Kenya Airways 787 I just reviewed except KQ has a flat bed: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trip-reports/1597724-kenya-airways-787-dreamliner-review-kq113-cdg-nbo.html

Lucky, would love to hear if you figure out that boarding music. Assuming it's the same, I really liked it, too. I think it's by Mulatu Astatke‬, but I can't for the life of me find the track name.

The lack of overhead bins is due to the crew rest area above. It's the same on other 787 (Norwegian's for example; see my TR on FT).
One question; on your pic the pillow and the blanket are not packed in plastic. Were they when you arrived? If not that's the reason for it being scratchy... As most chinese airlines; I guess Ethiopian does not wash the blankets between flights...

Perhaps the shirtless guy got the inspiration from your account of taking off your pants in the LGA AAdmirals Club? 😛

@ James -- Nope, wasn't packaged.

As always, a great and comprehensive review.

Angle flat seats? There are a few airlines that fly the 787 with those. Do you find the 787 on most airlines does not offer as luxurious of an experience. I see you are in no rush trying to fly all the 787 airlines (compared to your quest to fly all the a380's)

It would be interesting to see a review of the 787 flights that you have done to dates, together in one review.

It appears the windows on the 787 are somewhat larger than other aircraft. Were you able to control the tinting so you could leave them open and watch IFE? The flight path looks like it went over Somalia, Yemen, and Pakistan and close to Afghanistan. After MH17 people will pay more attention to the airshow displays and wonder what is going on beneath them.

@ john -- Unlike on LOT, this 787 had window blinds, so you could pull them up or down.

Those pecs need some serious pumping up!

[…] Lucky recently reviewed his ET flight from PEK-ADD on a 788. Review Ethiopian Airlines Business Class. […]

Ethiopian now has flat beds on its 787s. They must have heard you...
https://onemileatatime.com/ethiopian-airlines-787-new-fully-flat-business-class/

So, did you like 1989?

Thank u so much...for the review...we are supposed to be flying ethopian airlines business class to congo.

I tried the ET 787 in J-class yesterday from Lome to São Paulo. The service seems to have improved. They have more meal options and news sets of cutlery, plates etc. The Ethiopian option was served in addition to the main dish. The crew was extremely nice. The plane, however, is starting to look a bit worn (yes even on a 787 lol).