A Journey with Eastern Hospitality

Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates, has been setting a high bar in the aviation business since its inception in 2003. Its mission is to embody Eastern hospitality, connecting cultures and continents. This isn’t just an airline—it’s a brand that aims to transform every passenger’s flight into an unforgettable adventure. In this review, I’ve decided to dive into Etihad’s rich history, explore its modern fleet and striking liveries, map out its route network, and highlight the nuances of its service that make this airline truly stand out. So, buckle up—we’re ready for takeoff!

From an Emirate’s Ambition to the Global Stage

Etihad Airways was founded in July 2003 by decree of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the ruler of Abu Dhabi. The name “Etihad,” meaning “Union” in Arabic, reflects its goal of uniting people through travel. The first flight on November 5, 2003, from Abu Dhabi to Beirut marked the start of a journey that, over two decades, has turned the airline into an industry leader. By 2008, Etihad was carrying 6 million passengers annually, and today its network spans over 90 destinations.

Unlike its neighbor Emirates, Etihad has focused not just on scale but on innovation. In 2007, the airline opened its headquarters in Khalifa City, investing $50 million in a state-of-the-art complex with a pilot training center. In 2014, Etihad unveiled “The Residence,” a three-room luxury suite on its Airbus A380, which became a sensation in the aviation world. The journey hasn’t been without turbulence: in the 2010s, losses from investments in Alitalia and Air Berlin forced a strategic rethink. Yet, by 2025, Etihad has returned to positive growth, focusing on steady development and fleet modernization. This is the story of Abu Dhabi’s dream to become a global aviation hub, and Etihad is bringing it to life with confidence.

Modern Wings

Since its founding, Etihad has operated a variety of aircraft, but its heart has always belonged to Boeing and Airbus. (A brief exception was a pair of cargo McDonnell Douglas MD-11s leased from the American company World Airways.) For the first decade and a half, the backbone of Etihad’s fleet consisted of Airbus A330s and A340s, alongside the still-operational A320 family and Boeing 777s.

The airline’s specialized cargo division, Etihad Cargo (formerly Etihad Crystal Cargo), boasted a more diverse fleet. It operated Boeing 747-400F and 747-8F aircraft leased from Atlas Air, and earlier, Airbus A300F and A310F planes leased from Air Atlanta Icelandic.

Today, Etihad operates 100 modern Airbus and Boeing aircraft with an average age of 7 years. Let’s take a closer look at each type and peek inside their cabins.

First up are the narrow-body Airbus A320-200 and A321-200. These aircraft feature cabins with 136 to 196 seats, depending on the model. Here’s a fun fact: most of these planes have eight business-class seats in a 2-2 configuration, but two A320s—A6-EIA and A6-EIH—boast 16 business-class seats. These special birds often fly regional routes to Persian Gulf countries. Etihad operates 30 aircraft from this family, and the A321 fleet is set to grow soon with new NEO models.

The airline deploys these narrow-body Airbus planes on short- and medium-haul routes, primarily regional destinations within five hours of Abu Dhabi. For more distant routes, including select destinations in Europe, Asia, and Africa, Etihad uses the A321neo.

For truly long-haul journeys, the Airbus A350-1000 joined the fleet in 2019. Its spacious 371-seat cabin, large windows, soft lighting, and quiet Rolls-Royce engines make 14-hour flights remarkably comfortable. The business class features suites with closing doors, while economy offers a generous 32-inch seat pitch for legroom. Etihad heavily relies on these aircraft for major international routes, connecting Abu Dhabi to destinations like Delhi, Chicago, Zurich, Mumbai, Paris, Tokyo, Toronto, Frankfurt, and Milan. The airline continues to expand the A350’s presence on key long-haul routes.

The world’s largest passenger aircraft, the Airbus A380-800, is a double-deck giant accommodating 486 passengers. Etihad’s SuperJumbo flies to New York, Paris, and Singapore. Its expansive cabin houses four classes of service, with the crown jewel being “The Residence”—a veritable palace in the sky, complete with a living room, bedroom, and shower for those who can afford a “six-star” flight. Exclusive to the A380, “The Apartment” in First Class offers a bed and champagne as standard. The business class on the upper deck includes a bar, while economy delights with a 34-inch seat pitch and personal 15-inch screens—your gateway to a world of movies and games.

The Boeing 787-9 and 787-10 Dreamliner are the most numerous aircraft in Etihad’s fleet, with 43 currently in service and more on the way. Their large windows with electrochromic dimming and optimized cabin pressure make flights to Sydney, Tokyo, or Frankfurt less fatiguing. The 787-9, with configurations ranging from 226 to 303 seats, often flies to Seoul or Paris, while the 787-10, carrying up to 327 passengers, serves Manila or Delhi. Business class in a 1-2-1 layout and economy with a 31–32-inch pitch strike a balance of comfort and practicality. Some 787-9s also feature eight “First Suites,” offering a reclining chair that converts into a flat bed, a dining table, a 24-inch TV monitor, Poltrona Frau-designed upholstery, a personal wardrobe, and full privacy with high sliding doors.

Designed for long-haul travel, the Boeing 777-300ER boasts spacious cabins with enhanced seating for 328–402 passengers, depending on the configuration. New cabins feature a 1-2-1 business class, while economy offers a 31-inch pitch and excellent sound insulation for relaxation. One of Etihad’s nine 777s, registered as A6-ETS, includes eight “First Suites” similar to those on the 787-9. These “triple sevens” typically fly to Los Angeles, Manchester, Delhi, or Melbourne.

Etihad is actively modernizing its fleet, aiming to expand to 150 aircraft by 2030. The airline expects delivery of 10 more A321neos, three A350-1000s, and four additional Dreamliners. As for the Boeing 777, after contract restructuring, Etihad has an option to purchase 777X aircraft but could also opt for more 787s. The 777X is not part of their five-year fleet expansion plan.

Where Are We Flying?

Etihad operates flights to over 90 cities across five continents, with more than 1,000 weekly flights from its hub at Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport. It’s like a world map where every dot tells a unique story.

In the Middle East, Cairo, Amman, and Beirut welcome nimble A320s and A321s. Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh and Jeddah see 787-9s, ready to carry pilgrims or business travelers. In Africa, Johannesburg hosts A321s, promising a comfortable journey to a safari adventure.

Asia is the heart of Etihad’s network. India (Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai) is the domain of A320s, A321s, and 787-10s, flying almost hourly. Bangkok and Manila see 787-9s, while Singapore greets the majestic A380. China (Shanghai, Beijing) and Japan (Tokyo) welcome 787-9s, offering smooth landings and views of Mount Fuji. Even Tel Aviv remains on the schedule despite regional challenges, served by A320s.

Europe beckons with London, Paris, and Frankfurt, where A350s and 787-9s fly. Paris hosts the A380, letting you admire the Eiffel Tower after a luxurious flight.

North America sees New York and Chicago with A350s and A380s. Toronto and Washington are also on the list, and a 14-hour A350 flight feels shorter thanks to its spaciousness and entertainment. Australia calls with Sydney and Melbourne, served by 787-9s and 777-300ERs, bringing fans to the Sydney Opera House.

Abu Dhabi isn’t just a hub—it’s a gateway to adventure. The new Zayed International terminal, with its designer lounges and shops, makes layovers delightful. Want to linger? Etihad’s stopover program lets you spend 2–3 days in the emirate, strolling through the Louvre Abu Dhabi or riding roller coasters on Yas Island. Your flight isn’t just about the destination—it’s the story you create along the way. So, where will you fly with Etihad next?

In the Sky with “Facets of Abu Dhabi”

Etihad’s livery is a work of art inspired by Arab culture. The primary design, introduced in 2014 as “Facets of Abu Dhabi,” debuted on the airline’s first A380. Crafted by Landor Associates, it blends sandy, golden, and reddish hues with geometric patterns reminiscent of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque’s mosaics, while the golden tones evoke the Arabian Desert.

Special liveries steal the spotlight. For instance, a Boeing 787-9 in the green “Greenliner” livery promotes sustainability, while an Airbus A380 adorned with Formula 1 symbols celebrates Etihad’s sponsorship of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Planespotters flock to capture the “Year of Zayed” livery (2018), honoring the UAE’s founder. These aircraft are impossible to miss at airports.

Your Ticket with Etihad

Etihad Airways is more than an airline—it’s a journey where Eastern hospitality comes alive in the sky. Its story, from the first flight in 2003 to global acclaim today, inspires awe, while its modern fleet with vibrant liveries makes every flight a spectacle. The airline’s route network spans nearly the entire world, and its service, from The Residence to economy class, is designed to make you feel like a valued guest.

Etihad is perfect for those seeking comfort on long-haul flights or convenient connections through Abu Dhabi with a chance to explore the emirate. With new destinations on the horizon, the airline promises even more unforgettable experiences.