Etihad brings home its brand new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner: Watch

Image credit: Supplied by Etihad

Etihad Airways, the UAE’s national carrier showed-off the latest addition to its fleet as its brand new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner landed in Abu Dhabi. The airline has added three new Dreamliners to its fleet in 2024.

Touchdown! Our first of three new B787-9 Dreamliners has arrived in style at our home, Abu Dhabi 🤩✈️ pic.twitter.com/7bTBbnDaKN

— Etihad Airways (@etihad) February 19, 2024

Antonoaldo Neves, CEO, Etihad Airways, said: “We are thrilled to welcome these brand-new, state-of-the-art Boeing 787 Dreamliners to Abu Dhabi. Their arrival is key to our network expansion strategy and comes at the perfect time as we continue to add multiple new destinations and expand frequencies into key markets.

“These new aircraft support our commitment to Abu Dhabi, allowing us to bring more guests to experience the incredible capital of the UAE, either as their end destination or on a stopover when connecting across our expanding network.”

Fleet

The national carrier highlighted in its announcement that the new aircraft are up to 25 per cent more fuel efficient than many comparable aircraft of their size.

In total, Etihad now operates 43 Dreamliners and a total fleet of 88 aircraft including the Airbus A380, A350, A320 family, and Boeing 777.

Read: Etihad Airways to fly its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner to Boston

Etihad unveils fresh interiors, upgraded tech

Etihad Airways is set to introduce an upscale passenger experiences aboard its newly acquired Boeing 787-9 aircrafts. The airline announced plans to deploy three of these state-of-the-art planes into service in the coming weeks.

What sets these aircraft apart?

These cutting-edge planes will boast the exclusive Collins Aerospace Elements seat in business class, a premium offering characterised by its reverse herringbone design and the added luxury of a door, a feature previously showcased on Starlux’s A350-900s.

Passengers can also anticipate lightning-fast internet connectivity thanks to the incorporation of Viasat Wi-Fi technology. Furthermore, the new cabins will showcase a plethora of upgraded technological amenities, including Bluetooth audio compatibility and various other enhancements aimed at enhancing passenger comfort and convenience.

Exciting route deployments:

Commencing March 2, Etihad has slated its new 787-9 aircraft to operate select flights between Abu Dhabi (AUH) and Mumbai (BOM) on the EY205/206 frequencies.

From March 4, travelers can experience the new cabins as Etihad introduces the 787-9 on select flights between Abu Dhabi (AUH) and Munich (MUC) on the EY5/6 frequencies.

Starting March 11, passengers flying between Abu Dhabi (AUH) and New York (JFK) will have the opportunity to enjoy the enhanced offerings on the EY100/101 frequencies, with this service continuing until April 21, when it transitions to the Washington route.

The carrier also announced plans to begin flying to its fourth destination in the US, with four weekly flights to Boston set to commence in March 2024.

As of April 22, Etihad will debut its new 787-9 cabins on select flights between Abu Dhabi (AUH) and Washington (IAD) on the EY130/131 frequencies.

Significant upgrades to North American services:

2024 marks a significant milestone for Etihad’s North American operations, with the carrier unveiling a series of upgrades:

Etihad will commence A380 operations on one of its two daily frequencies to New York, offering passengers a truly luxurious flying experience.

The airline will introduce the 787-9 with first-class amenities on one of its daily flights to New York, replacing the existing 787-9 configuration without first class. Concurrently, the 787-9 without first class will be reassigned to the Washington route.

Etihad will transition the Washington route to feature the 787-9 equipped with the new passenger cabins, ensuring passengers traveling to and from the U.S. capital can enjoy the latest in-flight offerings.

Etihad’s strategic rollout of the new aircrafts underscores its commitment to providing passengers with unparalleled comfort, connectivity, and luxury in the skies, said the airline.