The national carrier of the United Arab Emirates, Etihad Airways offers lots of connectivity through its hub in Abu Dhabi. Australians can fly from Sydney and Melbourne to Abu Dhabi, and easily connect onwards to destinations across the Middle East, Africa, Europe and the east coast of North America.

All Business Class passengers flying Etihad Airways from Abu Dhabi can use Etihad’s superb Business Class Lounge. Lounge access is also available at most other airports that Etihad flies to.

Etihad is also a Velocity Frequent Flyer partner, meaning Velocity members can earn points and status credits on Etihad Airways. Velocity Platinum members can even access Etihad’s excellent First Class Lounge in Abu Dhabi when flying Etihad in any cabin.

You can redeem Etihad Guest miles to book Etihad Airways Business Class tickets. In Australia, you can convert Amex Membership Rewards points into Etihad Guest miles.

You could also redeem Velocity points, but only when booking up to 30 days before departure.

Alternatively, you can find relatively cheap Etihad Business Class airfares from Asia to Europe, on routes such as Manila-Dublin, Jakarta-Amsterdam or Kuala Lumpur-Geneva.

So, what are Etihad’s Business Class seats like? Well, it depends which aircraft type you’re flying on. In this guide, we look at each of the different products…

Etihad Airbus A320/A321 Business seats

On Etihad’s current Airbus A320, A321 and A321neo aircraft, you’ll find reclining Business Class seats in a basic 2-2 configuration. These seats are wider and offer better legroom than Economy.

Etihad primarily uses these jets on short-haul and regional routes within the Middle East and Indian subcontinent.

These are Etihad’s only aircraft without seat-back TV screens. However, you can stream entertainment to your own device.

Like all other Etihad Airways planes, the A320 family is Wi-Fi enabled.

Etihad Airbus A321neo LR Business seats

In 2025, Etihad will launch a brand new, three-class Airbus A320neo LR with lie-flat Business and First Class seating. So far, we know that Business Class will have a 1-1 layout – but Etihad hasn’t yet revealed more details. This plane will be used on medium-haul routes like Phuket-Abu Dhabi.

Etihad Boeing 777-300ER Business seats

Etihad’s Boeing 777-300ER uses a staggered 1-2-1 Business Class seating configuration, with cloth-covered lie-flat seats. You’ll often see this product on flights to Australia.

The “A” window seats, found at every second row, are directly beside a window and offer the greatest privacy. For couples, the “E/F” middle seats found in every second row are good because they are directly beside each other.

Etihad Boeing 787-9 Business seats

There are two versions of Etihad Airways Boeing 787-9 Business Class. All have lie-flat seats with direct aisle access.

Older version

Etihad’s original Boeing 787-9 layout uses a staggered 1-2-1 Business Class seating configuration, where seats in every second row face backwards. The airline uses this version of its Boeing 787 Business Class on flights to Australia.

For solo travellers, the A/K window seats offer the most privacy and are directly beside a window. For couples, the E/F middle seats are ideal.

Newer version

Etihad recently introduced a new Boeing 787-9 Business Class product that uses a 1-2-1 reverse herringbone layout. All seats face forward in this version.

Etihad Boeing 787-10 Business seats

Etihad’s Boeing 787-10 uses the same Business Class seats and layout as the older version of the Boeing 787-9.

Etihad Airbus A380 Business seats

Etihad’s Airbus A380 Business Class, found on the upper deck, uses a similar seating layout to the Boeing 787-10 and older Boeing 787-9. The lie-flat seats are in a staggered 1-2-1 configuration where every second seat faces backwards.

One extra feature of Etihad’s Airbus A380 is “The Lobby”, a bar and lounge area between Business and First Class.

Etihad Airbus A350 Business seats

The Airbus A350 is the only aircraft in Etihad’s fleet to offer sliding doors in Business Class. The modern, lie-flat seats are in a reverse herringbone 1-2-1 layout.

Which is your favourite Etihad Airways Business Class seat? Let us know on the AFF forum!

Matt Graham

The editor of Australian Frequent Flyer, Matt's passion for travel has taken him to over 90 countries… with the help of frequent flyer points, of course!
Matt's favourite destinations (so far) are Germany, Brazil & Kazakhstan. His interests include economics, aviation & foreign languages, and he has a soft spot for good food and red wine.

You can connect with Matt by posting on the Australian Frequent Flyer community forum and tagging @AFF Editor.