Etihad Airways adds Dreamliner to its route

The new B787 operation will follow a major upgrade for the route on 1 June, which includes the introduction of First Class and a change in schedule timings which provides better connections to the airline’s network via its Abu Dhabi hub. 

Etihad Airways president and chief executive officer, James Hogan, said the new three-class aircraft – featuring the airline’s revolutionary First, Business and Economy Class cabins – and optimised flight schedule would greatly enhance the guest experience and bolster the airline’s position in the competitive Singapore travel market. 

“The new schedule timings – with evening departures in both directions – will offer guests in the UAE and Singapore more convenient travel times and improved connectivity to 35 destinations in the GCC, Middle East, Africa and Europe”   

“Most importantly, from a guest experience perspective, the dimensions and unique features of the Dreamliner aircraft have enabled us to customise it with the most innovative and sophisticated cabins. This means, from 1 August, travellers between Abu Dhabi and Singapore will experience levels of comfort and attention to detail not enjoyed previously by today’s air traveller or offered by our competitors on the route.”

Analyst Saj Ahmad said: "Deploying the fuel efficient 787-9 on its Singapore route will not only give Etihad a distinct competitive advantage over its competition, but it also gives it an edge when being selected by passengers due its award-winning cabin detail and services.
 
"Etihad has spent millions revamping its cabin products and the 787-9, which will eventually form the backbone of all Etihad's operations, will be able to slash trip costs on long range routes like Singapore and make pricing even more attractive to customers that fly this segment.
 
"The 787-9 was specifically selected as Etihad's fleet workhorse because of its versatile capabilities. It couples low cost of operation compared to any other airplane, including the A350-900, while bringing long range capability for a variety of routes across the globe out of Abu Dhabi."
 
Admad concluded: "As the largest customer for the 787 family, including the 787-9 and 787-10, Etihad has started to execute its international organic growth with each new airplane delivery - this will drive down costs for the airline while allowing them to capitalise on the high end fare paying passengers with a multi-cabin product offering across its network."