Etihad Airways to Increase Perth Capacity with Boeing 787 Dreamliner

Etihad Airways will operate Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft to Perth from 1 June 2016.

The new aircraft will replace the Airbus A330-200 which currently operates the Perth–Abu Dhabi sector.

With 299 seats, the B787 Dreamliner delivers a 14% increase in seat capacity.

“Since our first Dreamliner entered commercial service in February, we have enjoyed excellent feedback from our guests – particularly about our ground-breaking cabin interiors and service innovations which have set a new benchmark for comfort and style,” said James Hogan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways. “The decision to offer this same industry-leading experience on the Perth route reflects the success of the Western Australian market and our enduring commitment to serve Australia with the pride of our fleet.”

Perth will become the second Australian gateway to be served by Etihad Airways’ next-generation B787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. The airline commenced Dreamliner services to Brisbane in June of this year.

New B787-9 Dreamliners entering the Etihad Airways fleet next year will feature 28 Business Studios and 271 Economy Smart Seats.

Etihad Airways launched daily services to Perth in July 2014. In addition to the WA capital, Etihad Airways serves Sydney with double daily flights, in conjunction with Virgin Australia; double daily flights to Melbourne; and daily services to Brisbane.

“We are delighted that Etihad Airways has chosen Perth as the route for one of its new Dreamliner aircraft,” said Fiona Lander, Executive General Manager Corporate Affairs, Perth Airport. “Etihad Airways’ partnership with Virgin Australia also means that, with the recent opening of the T1 Domestic Terminal, customers can now transfer seamlessly between regional, interstate and international services in one convenient location making it easier for international visitors to connect directly to WA regional destinations. This is an exciting opportunity for the WA tourism industry.”

In addition to Brisbane, Etihad Airways currently operates Dreamliners to Singapore, Washington DC, and Zurich. Over a seven-month period from May 2016, the airline will progressively deploy the aircraft on the Düsseldorf, Istanbul, Johannesburg and Shanghai routes.

With a further 66 Boeing 787 Dreamliners due to be delivered over the next few years, the aircraft will become the mainstay of Etihad Airways’ long-haul fleet.