On my recent trip to Türkiye, I had the pleasure of flying from Melbourne to Istanbul via Abu Dhabi in Etihad Business Class. The first leg of my journey was on Etihad’s older Boeing 777, which is on rotation with the Boeing 787 on flights from Sydney and Melbourne to Abu Dhabi. So, while I didn’t nab the 787 on my longer flight, I was able to experience it for five hours from Abu Dhabi to Istanbul.
Etihad’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner is fitted with its superior Business Class product, Business Studio – the same seat you’ll find on Etihad’s Airbus A380.
I can’t emphasise it enough: five hours is simply not long enough to soak up everything Etihad’s lavish Business Studio has to offer. Here’s why.
Check-in, lounge and boarding
My journey commences in Melbourne, so there are no check-in or bag-drop formalities in Abu Dhabi. I’m deposited in Terminal A after my previous flight with my boarding pass in tow. Naturally, when flying through Abu Dhabi, my first port of call is the Patchi chocolate display at the duty-free stores (grab some and thank me later.) Then, it’s back to business and onwards to Etihad’s new flagship Business Class Lounge.
Etihad Business Class passengers have access to the Etihad Business Class Lounge in Abu Dhabi Terminal A, revamped in November 2023. I’ve reviewed this lounge separately, and you can read the full review for all the details. So, I’ll keep it brief here. This three-level lounge – featuring two buffet areas, a games room and a glitzy bar – warrants an extended visit. I’ve got four hours to spend here before my flight to Istanbul, and those four hours move by swiftly.
Boarding pass and passport checks are conducted prior to entering the gates in Abu Dhabi. From then on, it’s a short wait until priority boarding is called for Business Class guests before a prompt 9:30 am departure.
Etihad Boeing 787 Business Studio seating
I’ve flown on an Etihad Boeing 787 once prior to this – down the back, overnight. In stark contrast to my last experience onboard this aircraft, I’m greeted with the morning sun flooding through the large Dreamliner windows (ah, Middle Eastern summer), filling the Business Class cabin with a golden hue.
Etihad’s Boeing 787 Business Class cabin is arranged in a 1-2-1 layout, with every passenger enjoying direct aisle access. The seats interlock to maximise space, with rear-facing seats in every second row. My front-facing seat, 11K, is tucked away in the back corner, flush against the window and adequately spaced from the aisle.
Being of a shorter stature often means that any Business Class seat is roomy. Yet, settling into my suite, I feel absolutely tiny. There’s no door, but the high walls framing my suite provide exceptional privacy. My feet barely touch the foot well as I sit upright and disappear into its abyss while lying flat.
Speaking of which, there’s a slight difference in the lengths of the flatbeds in Etihad’s 787-9 Business Class. This depends on whether your seat is rear-facing or forward-facing. Rear-facing seats convert to a 75.7-inch (192cm) bed while forward-facing seats – like the one I’ve chosen – convert to an 80.5-inch (204cm) flatbed. Either way you look at it (pun intended), and that’s a lot of space.
A control panel to the left of my seat allows me to adjust the seat position and cushion firmness to my preference. A plush Armani Casa blanket pairs well to ensure I’m cosy. But, perhaps my favourite feature of Etihad’s Boeing 787 Business Class seat is the massage function. A subtle back massage some 35,000 feet in the air is welcome on a long journey.
Rounding out the premium suite decor is an ornate lamp, a silk-like pillow featuring Etihad’s signature tessellated triangle design, and brown leather accents by Italian furniture maker Poltrona Frau.
Etihad Boeing 787 Business Class food and beverage
I’ve deliberately limited my lounge feed to some fruit and an Arabic coffee, saving my stomach for the three-course in-flight lunch.
I had the Arabic mezze on my previous flight, and I’ve ordered it again on this flight. Yes, it’s that good. Unfortunately, the universe is not with me on this decision – the Arabic mezze has run out, and I’m taking it as a sign to try something new. Fortunately, the pan-seared tuna salad is the refreshing entrée I need. My stuffed chicken breast main is juicy, accompanied by assorted vegetables and topped with a tomato jus. And while light options like fruit and Häagen-Dazs ice cream are on the dessert menu, I’m salivating over the rich chocolate orange cake. It tastes just like Jaffas chocolates, which is a plus for me.
Though it’s a morning flight, a glass of champagne upon boarding always goes down as a treat. The crew offer a selection of beverages shortly after takeoff, and my espresso is promptly served with a bowl of nuts. I’m sufficiently awake by the time my main rolls around, complemented by an iced long black. But if you’re less of a coffee fiend than I am, there’s also a selection of juices, soft drinks, hot chocolate and assorted tea.
Etihad Boeing 787 Business Class service and entertainment
After my substantial lunch, and with a few hours until we begin descending into Istanbul, I’m ready for a nap. I don’t extensively explore the in-flight entertainment embedded within my crisp 18-inch touchscreen. But it mirrors Etihad’s usual offering: a wide selection of movies, live TV, global music, and games on the E-Box.
It’s a long stretch from the comfort of my seat to reach the touchscreen and toggle it to my usual flight map view. Thankfully, a remote for the in-flight entertainment is tucked into the console to my left. The remote has a small screen that acts as a responsive touch control for in-flight entertainment and screen brightness but can also duplicate the main screen.
If you’d instead use your own device for entertainment, keep it powered up with the universal power point or the USB-A sockets by your seat. Alternatively, wireless charging is accessible for compatible devices, and Wi-Fi is also available.
The cabin crew exude warmth and professionalism throughout the flight, and I leave with a recommendation to try Etihad’s The Residence next. It’s on my list.
How to book this flight using points
Using Velocity Frequent Flyer
Until 31 May 2025, Velocity Frequent Flyers can book Etihad flights using Velocity Points. Unfortunately, Virgin Australia’s partnership with Etihad will end after this date. As a general note, Etihad only opens up Business and First Class reward seats to partner programs 30 days prior to departure.
Etihad’s Boeing 787 Business Studio is also available on select flights from Melbourne/Sydney to Abu Dhabi. If booking the Abu Dhabi-Istanbul route specifically, look for flights operated by a Boeing 787-9, as Etihad also uses a narrowbody Airbus A321 on this route.
(From 21 January 2025, Economy rises to 22,000 Velocity Points. Business Class similarly becomes 44,500 points).
Using Etihad Guest
Alternatively, you can always book Etihad reward seats, called ‘GuestSeats’ using the airline’s own loyalty program, Etihad Guest.
Many flexible bank and hotel loyalty programs allow you to transfer points to Etihad Guest. Here are some options, including the corresponding transfer rate:
- American Express Membership Rewards – 2 Amex MR points = 1 Etihad Guest mile (2:1)
- Accor Live Limitless – 4,000 ALL points = 2,000 Etihad Guest mile (2:1)
- Citi Rewards (for Citi Prestige cardholders only) – 3 Citi Rewards points = 1 Etihad Guest mile (3:1)
- Hilton Honors – 10,000 Hilton Honors points = 1,000 Etihad guest miles (10:1)
- IHG One Rewards – 10,000 IHG One Rewards points = 2,000 Etihad Guest miles (5:1)
- Marriott Bonvoy – 3 Marriott Bonvoy points = 1 Etihad Guest mile (3:1)
You can also purchase Etihad Guest miles for flights with Etihad and its partner airlines.
Finally, while Etihad isn’t part of an airline alliance, it does have a suite of airline partners, most of which allow you to book Etihad GuestSeats through their own frequent flyer programs. Air Canada’s Aeroplan and American Airlines’ American AAdvantage are just two examples – but note the restrictions to reward seat availability in premium cabins when booking through partner airlines.
Summing up
Etihad’s Boeing 787 Business Studio is a sensational product. From the plush details and spacious suite to the delicious onboard meal and top-calibre service, it’s a cabin that you must experience once – whether on a five-hour hop from Abu Dhabi to Istanbul or a longer journey from Australia.
The only minor hiccup was that, understandably, the signature Arabic mezze had run out. That’s on me – perhaps next time I won’t select a seat in the back row. And while I’m at it, I may even try a rear-facing seat next time!
Before Virgin Australia and Etihad end their partnership, this is a worthwhile redemption using Velocity Points – if you’re happy to try your luck 30 days before departure, that is. Otherwise, Etihad Guest miles are your ticket to one of the most stellar Business Class experiences in the sky.
Photography by Victoria Kyriakopoulos, who travelled at Point Hacks’ expense.
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