MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA- Melbourne has become the latest destination to receive Etihad Airways’ newest widebody product, as the Abu Dhabi-based carrier upgrades its long-haul offering to Australia. Etihad Airways (EY) has deployed its latest Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners on the Melbourne Airport (MEL) to Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) route, marking a significant cabin refresh on one of its key intercontinental services.
The updated aircraft replaces older Boeing 787-9s previously used on the route and reflects Etihad’s wider fleet modernization strategy. The airline says the move aligns with sustained demand for premium travel and strengthens connectivity between Melbourne and its global network via Abu Dhabi.
Etihad Airways Boeing 787 | Photo: Clément Alloing
Updated Cabin Configuration
The newly introduced Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners feature a revised seating layout with a total capacity of 303 seats.
Economy class capacity has increased from 262 to 271 seats, while business class has expanded from 26 to 32 seats, providing greater availability in the premium cabin.
All seats across both cabins are equipped with in-seat power outlets and the airline’s latest-generation inflight entertainment system.
Passengers also benefit from high-speed onboard Wi-Fi, supporting Etihad’s focus on consistent digital connectivity across its long-haul fleet.
Etihad states that all flights operating to and from Australia now feature its most recent cabin standards. The airline adds that it remains the only Gulf carrier offering fully enclosed, doored premium cabins on every Australian service.
Photo: Clément Alloing
Australia Network Strategy
The Melbourne upgrade follows Etihad’s earlier decision to transition its Sydney route to an all-Airbus A350-1000 operation.
In December, the airline brought forward the full deployment of the A350-1000 on the Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) to Abu Dhabi route, citing stronger-than-expected demand.
The Airbus A350-1000 operating on the Sydney service features 44 business class suites and 327 economy seats. Etihad had initially planned a gradual transition, but accelerated the timeline after a positive passenger response to the new aircraft type.
According to the airline, the move has resulted in the withdrawal of the Boeing 777-300ER from Australian operations.
Both Sydney and Melbourne services are now operated exclusively by aircraft fitted with Etihad’s latest long-haul cabin products.
Photo: Etihad
Etihad Has Premium Demand Growth
Etihad’s leadership describes Australia as one of its most important international markets, particularly for premium travel.
The airline says rising demand for business class and high-end leisure travel has influenced recent fleet and scheduling decisions.
From Melbourne, passengers can connect via Abu Dhabi to a growing global network across the Middle East, Europe, and other regions. Etihad expects its network to exceed 100 destinations by the end of 2026, supported by new routes announced across 2025 and 2026.
Currently, Etihad operates daily flights to Melbourne and 10 weekly services to Sydney, with plans to increase Sydney to double-daily frequencies in the future.
The airline continues to operate in Australia without a local airline partner following the end of its long-standing codeshare arrangement with Virgin Australia.
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