Etihad brings flagship A350 to Sydney - here’s what it means for travellers

Is it time to start reconsidering the phrase “pointy end of the plane” for premium travel? Etihad Airways will bring its flagship Airbus A350-1000 to Sydney from 1 October 2025, marking the first time the next-generation aircraft will operate from Australia’s busiest airport – and a major upgrade in its premium seat capacity to Sydney.

The move comes as Etihad increases flights from Sydney to Abu Dhabi from seven to ten per week starting 1 July 2025 and replaces its B777-300ER on the route.

The A350 will initially fly select services alongside Etihad’s B787-9 aircraft, before the Airbus jet takes over the entire route from the end of January 2026.

Premium peaking

According to Sydney Airport, Etihad’s upgraded offering reflects growing demand from business, luxury and high-end leisure travellers, with the schedule boost and fleet upgrade delivering a significant 20 per cent increase in premium seat capacity on the route. 

And with more premium seating comes fewer economy options – and a literal move away from just the pointy end of the plane for those willing to pay more to fly.

“We are delighted to bring more premium travel options to Australia with the arrival of our A350 on this important route,” Etihad Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer Arik De said. 

“When the schedule is fully deployed early next year, we will have grown overall seat availability by ten per cent, and premium seat count by over 20 per cent.”

The airline’s A350 features 44 Business Studios with sliding privacy doors, fully flat beds, wireless charging, Bluetooth audio and 18.5-inch screens.

Etihad also offers 327 Economy Smart Seats with 13-inch touchscreen entertainment, Bluetooth pairing and flexible recline.

In addition, the aircraft burns 25 per cent less fuel than previous models, adding efficiency to its list of upgrades. 

“We have increased our flight frequencies to Sydney this year, offering guests greater flexibility and enhanced connectivity across our expanding global network,” Arik De remarked. 

“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 program, featuring one or two-night complimentary stays at a premium hotel.” 

EK’s longest route

For Sydney Airport, the arrival of the A350 marks a milestone in its long-running partnership with Etihad, which has served the city since 2007.

Australia’s busiest hub says that the 350’s introduction is also in line with its strategy to support more efficient aircraft and elevated traveller experiences.

“The introduction of the A350, along with the increase in Etihad’s flight schedule, is fantastic news for passengers on Etihad’s longest route globally, offering them more choice and an improved travel experience,” Sydney Airport CEO Scott Charlton said. 

“This addition strengthens the growing list of international airlines flying the A350 into Sydney and reinforces Sydney Airport’s position as Australia’s premier international gateway.”

As part of broader changes, Etihad’s partnership with Virgin Australia will end in June 2025, but a new interline agreement with Qantas will see continued domestic connectivity across Australia for Etihad passengers.

Abu Dhabi-Sydney schedule from 1 October 2025

Sydney-Abu Dhabi schedule from 31 January 2026 

For more info, visit www.etihad.com.