Etihad Airways goes double-daily on Sydney-Abu Dhabi route
By Chris C., September 19 2016
Virgin Australia partner Etihad Airways will boost its Sydney-Abu Dhabi flights to double-daily from next year, up from 11 flights per week at present.
As of February 6 2017, flight EY451 from Sydney takes wing on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, complementing existing flights on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, to become a daily service.
It’s a similar case for flight EY450 on the return from Abu Dhabi which also moves to daily.
Using a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, passengers can relax in the comfort of eight first class suites at the very front:
AusBT review: Etihad Boeing 777 first class, Sydney-Abu Dhabi
You’ll also find 40 business class seats, each extending into a fully-flat bed and providing direct aisle access for every passenger:
AusBT review: Etihad Boeing 777 business class, Abu Dhabi-Sydney
Flights EY455 and EY454 continue to run daily using Etihad’s flagship Airbus A380 aircraft, complete with ‘The Residence’: a private three-room suite for VIPs with a separate lounge room, bedroom and bathroom with your own shower:
Photos: Inside Etihad Airways’ ‘The Residence’ suite
Not quite so cashed up? That’s OK: you can book your own apartment in first class with a separate bed and lounge chair:
Read: Up close with Etihad’s A380 first class apartments
Business class also sports the airline’s newest Business Studio seating – the same as found on Etihad’s Boeing 787 aircraft flying to Brisbane and Perth – with modern fully-flat beds joined by ‘The Lobby’: an on-board lounge for socialising with fellow travellers.
AusBT review: Etihad Business Studio business class, Brisbane-Abu Dhabi
Also read: Review of Etihad’s Airbus A380 The Lobby lounge
Come early February, Virgin Australia will axe its three-times-weekly Sydney-Abu Dhabi flights entirely, with Etihad’s additional services taking their place.
Virgin Australia will also launch its own Perth-Abu Dhabi flights in June 2017.
Connect with other business travellers in our Etihad Airways discussion group
Chris is a a former contributor to Executive Traveller.
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04 Mar 2015
Total posts 4
I didn't realise the EY 773 had the old style J class seat? That's a shame; although still comfortable, just doesn't compare to the Business Studio.
02 Jun 2013
Total posts 56
I stand corrected, but I believe the newer EY 777-300s have the new product installed across all cabins, and that most (if not all) of the SYD EY 773 services are on the newer aircraft. Perhaps someone can confirm one way or another?
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