Etihad to Operate A350-1000 to Sydney From December 2025

Big news in Australian aviation: Etihad Airways will commence operating its brand-new flagship Airbus A350-1000 to Sydney from 6 December 2025, giving local flyers a taste of the airline’s most advanced cabin yet. From this date, all ten weekly services between Abu Dhabi and Sydney will be flown by this impressive two-class widebody, marking a major upgrade from the previous fleet of Boeing 777-300ERs.

A New Standard in Comfort and Style

The A350-1000 sets a new benchmark for the long-haul flying experience:

• Business Class Suites: Forty-four fully enclosed 1-2-1 suites feature sliding doors for maximum privacy, plus all the luxury and tech savvy travellers expect.
• Economy Class: With a 3-3-3 seating layout, 327 economy seats offer spacious comfort, modern amenities, and big touchscreen entertainment.

This is a major win for Aussie travellers heading to the Middle East, Europe, and beyond—whether you’re flying for business, leisure, or connecting to Etihad’s expanding global network.

One of Etihad’s Biggest Years of Growth

Etihad’s Sydney upgrade isn’t happening in isolation. The airline has had a bumper year for fleet expansion and new routes:

• The operating fleet now stands at 115 aircraft, up from only 96 in September 2024.
• Alongside more brand-new A350-1000s, the airline’s growth also includes additional Boeing 787 Dreamliners, the return of two mighty A380s, and the debut of A321LRs featuring private first suites and lie-flat business class—premium comfort on shorter routes.
• Etihad’s network capacity shot up 25% year-on-year, supported by fresh launches and further fleet investment.
• In September 2025 alone, the airline carried 1.9 million passengers—21% more than the same month last year—and kept its passenger load factor at a healthy 89%.

More Destinations Than Ever

If you love new adventures, here’s more good news: Etihad launched or announced 31 new destinations in 2025, bringing their global network close to 90 cities. Recent arrivals include Medan in Sumatra, Phnom Penh in Cambodia, Addis Ababa in Ethiopia, and Krabi in Thailand—not to mention a 35% jump in their European flight schedule over last summer.

With nine A350-1000s already flying and another eleven on order, Etihad continues to invest in bringing Aussies world-class flight experiences, more choice, and easier connections to the world’s top travel hotspots.

Whether you’re dreaming of a Middle Eastern getaway, a city break in Europe, or exploring Southeast Asia, Etihad’s new A350-1000 from Sydney promises luxury, comfort, and innovation every step of the way. Check out the new cabin offerings and book your next adventure at etihad.com.