Modern and Sleek: Etihad's New 787-9 Business Class Suites from New York to Abu Dhabi Zayed International Airport
by Krish Patel / aviationwithkrish.com
Not too long ago, Abu Dhabi-based carrier Etihad Airways took delivery of three new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners with all-new cabin interiors. Etihad outfitted these planes with 32 forward-facing Business Class suites up front, arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration. On a recent flight with Etihad from New York JFK to Abu Dhabi AUH, I had the chance to put the Emirati flag carrier's new Business Class to the test. Starting from the lounge, to the stunning cabin and suite, to the onboard food and service, this was a great experience for which I would go out of my way.
How is the Ground Experience at JFK?
At JFK International Airport, Etihad uses Terminal Four, which is mainly used by Delta and a grouping of international carriers such as El Al, Emirates, Air India, Singapore Airlines, Aeromexico, KLM, and Virgin Atlantic. Etihad Business Class passengers get priority check-in. For those who have already checked in online, there is an express lane to drop off bags. The priority lane wasn’t packed, considering that there are only 32 Business suites to fill on this 787. The check-in staff were friendly and explained everything clearly.
Besides Business Class travelers, Etihad Platinum, Gold, or Silver members can use the Business Class check-in. Etihad Business Class passengers at JFK aren’t given a dedicated security lane. Security was quite packed, and it took more than 10 minutes. It certainly helped having TSA, but even the TSA lines were packed. It’s no wonder New York is the nation’s busiest city!
Directly passed the security checkpoint in JFK’s Terminal Four is the Chase Sapphire Lounge by the Club, which takes up the space of the former Etihad Lounge. What’s really unique about this Sapphire Lounge is that it's run as a partnership between Chase and Etihad Airways, so an Etihad premium cabin ticket can get you into this lounge. Other than an Etihad premium cabin ticket, cardholders with the Chase Sapphire Reserve, J.P. Morgan Reserve, or the Ritz Carlton Card can access this lounge. The first two cards allow for up to two complimentary guests, while the Ritz Carlton Card allows for unlimited guests. A Priority Pass membership can get you into the JFK Sapphire Lounge once per calendar year.
Chase has done a great job with their JFK lounge. They have managed to hire some of the most professional staff one could find anywhere. The small details within the lounge are striking, with pops of vibrant color, soft velvet-like textures, and beautiful accents. I wish that more airport lounges were shooting for the look of a well-decorated living room in a modern house, and Chase absolutely nailed it.
Past the entrance is the main seating area, as well as a flagship bar with some of the friendliest staff I’ve encountered at an airport lounge. There is plenty of seating throughout the lounge, and it almost never becomes difficult to find a comfortable seat.
The lengthy beverage selection at the bar is sure not to disappoint, with plenty of cocktails to choose from that can be made non-alcoholic as well. Of course, there is a selection of juices and soft drinks, in addition to which are red wines, white wine, champagne, spirits, and beer. I opted for the non-alcoholic version of the signature Sapphire Cocktail, which had a sweet and refreshing flavor.
The Sapphire Lounge features a full size buffet, with individually plated food items. Individually plated food elevates the experience of taking food from a buffet rather than taking the food from a main dish. The buffet food items in Sapphire Lounges are fresh and chef-inspired. As this lounge is a partnership between Chase and Etihad, all of the food at the JFK Sapphire Lounge is Halal. I highly suggest trying the cauliflower curry and the burrata cheese, both of which are onpoint.
If the buffet selection doesn’t impress you, most of the tables in the Sapphire Lounge feature a QR code that you can scan to order food and drinks directly to your table, such as the Sapphire Burger or Asian inspired Sapphire Noodles. You can also order any of the cocktails directly to your table if the bar is crowded.
Rounding the corner of the main buffet selection is a small selection of dessert, as well as a self-serve non-alcoholic beverage station with drip coffee, sodas, juices, and teas. The coffee in the lounge is supplied from Joe’s Coffee, a local New York coffee company. As far as desserts, you’ll find salted chocolate chip cookies, lemon squares, brownie squares, and some biscotti. It’s not the most impressive dessert selection in an airport lounge, but the quality of the mini bites is impressive. I wish that more airport lounges had small dessert portions like the Sapphire Lounge.
To the left of the bar area and behind the bar are some quiet restaurant-style seating areas, which weren’t fully packed during my visit. You’ll notice that the vibrant colors, botanical plants, and decorated shelves give the seating areas a nice ambiance.
Past the restaurant style seating to the left is some comfortable seating in a quiet ambiance with tablespace. There is also a singular work desk, which isn’t private compared to some other working cubicles in airport lounges. However, the highlight of this area of the lounge is the fake fireplace, atop which is some beautiful artwork. Don’t you wish more airport lounges offered a cozy ambiance like the Sapphire Lounges?
The bathrooms in the Sapphire Lounge are clean and modern. Inside, you’ll find skincare products and soaps supplied from Apotheke, a local Brooklyn based company. In addition to the bathrooms are shower suites, also stocked with Apotheke products.
As this lounge is made in partnership with Etihad Airways, the reflection rooms meant for prayer and meditation are sure to cater to some Etihad travelers.
From the Sapphire Lounge, I made my way to Gate A5, located in Concourse A of JFK’s Terminal Four. A lot of flights operated by foreign airlines depart from Concourse A of JFK’s Terminal Four, while Concourse B is home to pretty much all Delta flights, aside from SkyTeam partners such as Virgin Atlantic or KLM.
Etihad First and Business Class passengers are given priority boarding, as are customers with top tier Gold, Silver, or Platinum Etihad Guest status. Boarding commenced through one jetway, and as Economy boarding piled up, Business Class passengers were allowed to cut straight ahead. The Business Class boarding was quite efficient as there are only 32 Business Class suites to fill on this Dreamliner.
How is Etihad’s Cabin and Seat on the 787-9?
Etihad’s three 787s to feature new Business Class suites are registered as A6-BNE, A6-BNG, and our aircraft for today’s flight, A6-BNF. Unlike the Business Studios found on most Etihad Dreamilers, including all of Etihad’s 787-10s, the new suites are all forward-facing and feature privacy doors. The height of the door on the 787 is greater than that on Etihad’s A350-1000, all of which feature Business Class suites. According to Etihad’s CEO, Antonaldo Neves, these Business Class suites offer a First Class seat experience, which is why Etihad didn’t install their First Class Apartments on these new 787s. Because the three 787s are new aircraft for Etihad, the airline doesn’t have the approval yet to allow passengers to use the doors for privacy, therefore, they remained in the locked position for the entire flight.
Each of the Business Class suites in the center section feature dividers for additional privacy that can be slid open to easily communicate with your companion, making them great seats for couples. Of course, the window seats are ideal for solo travelers, except for row nine, which has a missing window.
From a passenger’s perspective, the 787 is a great aircraft for long-haul travel because it’s fuel efficient and relatively quiet and smooth inflight. On the 787 aircraft, the overhead bins are spacious compared to those on other jets. The cabin mood lighting can be adjusted to certain shades based on the time of day, and the large, dimmable windows can be dimmed to certain levels of brightness to help eliminate jet lag.
The seats are well-thought out and everything is conveniently located. To the side of the seat is the seat console, which is made up of a fake marble table surface and features built-in storage space that houses the universal and USB outlets, as well as the headphone jack. The most unique facet to this seat is the built-in wireless phone charger. In addition to the side console is the signature Etihad lamp with a geometric pattern inspired by Etihad’s livery and the literature pocket, which houses the Atlas Magazine and the menu card. The lamp adds a lot of coziness to the seat and makes you feel at home. The seat features a shoulder strap for takeoff and landing. Found at the side of the seat opposite of the storage console is an adjustable armrest and the privacy door that remained locked.
In front of you is the large touchscreen IFE and the tray table that folds out into a thick, sturdy wooden piece once pushed on. Beneath the seat is plenty of legroom and storage space under the tray table. To the side of that is a small compartment that houses the water bottle and safety card. To the opposite side of the compartment housing the water bottle is a coat hook.
Etihad’s E-BOX entertainment system offers a lengthy selection of movies, TV (including live television and sports), and games. There are plenty of movie genres to choose from, such as Hollywood, Bollywood, comedy, and action, just to name a few. In addition, you’ll find a slot for information about Etihad Airways and kids entertainment and it’s also possible to watch HBO MAX through the E-BOX in-flight entertainment. To control the IFE, you can use the touchscreen or the IFE remote located in the side storage compartment. If desired, it’s possible to pair your phone with the IFE system to use your personal device to control the seatback screen. I wish that more airlines offered this feature with their IFE. On Etihad, it’s possible to order food and beverages through the IFE system, but for some reason, that feature didn’t work on this flight. Etihad’s new 787s are equipped with high-speed Viasat Wi-Fi, something that isn’t found on most Etihad Dreamliners. Etihad’s in-flight Wi-FLY packages start at $9.99. You can purchase Wi-Fi for the entire flight or purchase a messaging package at a cheaper price, using cash or Etihad Guest miles.
In the Business Class cabin, there are two lavatories, both of which are located in the forward galley. The lavatory is quite spacious and clean, with plenty of counter space and room for your legs to stretch out. The toilet seat is a good size and features a contactless flush, which is a common feature in lavatories on most 787s. Inside, you’ll find luxury skincare products supplied by ESPA, rinsing cups, and napkins.
As we began to cross the Atlantic, I decided to turn my seat into a bed. The Business Class seat offers plenty of seat modes, including lie-flat bed mode. It’s possible to adjust parts of the seat to your comfort. In bed mode, there is more than enough room for your legs to stretch out comfortably. The seat is wide, which allows for head and shoulder space while resting.
How are the Food and Drink Offerings in Etihad Business Class?
Etihad offers a dine-on-demand service in Business Class, meaning that you can eat or drink what you want, whenever you want. Most airlines that offer dining on demand do so in First Class and not in Business, which sets Etihad apart from other airlines.
The literature pocket contains the menu card printed onto a thick sheet of paper, written in both Arabic and English. Unlike Emirates and Qatar, who both offer a proper breakfast service in Business Class, Etihad has an all day menu, where you can order a light breakfast or snack at any time during the flight. Compared to most other airlines, Etihad has an extensive selection of appetizers and entrees, with three appetizers and four entrees to choose from, including two vegetarian appetizers and one vegetarian entree.
Pre-departure welcome beverages and hot towels were offered before departure, and I opted for Etihad’s signature lemon mint, which is also the signature beverage of Qatar Airways. The lemon mint beverage is a refreshing start to a Business Class flight and tasted well.
After takeoff, the meal service began. Flight attendants went through the cabin and offered warm nuts and beverages, for which I opted for the Butterfly Effect, one of Etihad’s three mocktails. My table was then set up for the meal service.
Etihad partners with Armani/Casa to supply cutlery, glassware, ceramics, and dinnerware in Business Class for the meal service. While the food in Etihad Business Class is served on a tray, Etihad nailed the presentation of the food. The appetizer and entree aren’t served on a singular tray altogether and the courses are spread out, which is something you would expect at a fine-dining restaurant.
For my appetizer, I opted for the Arabic mezze, which is an appetizer almost all Middle Eastern carriers offer in Business Class. The mezze selection on Etihad consists of small portions of a variety of Middle Eastern appetizers, such as a dolma, tabbouleh salad, hummus, and a spanakopita, all served alongside artisan breads. In addition to the appetizer, the tray contains a seasonal salad, and condiments to suit your taste, such as a slab of butter, olive oil vinaigrette, and salt and pepper. I love the way the salt and pepper is presented in a coin-shaped container, and the Giorgio Armani logo adds a luxurious touch. The Arabic mezze was flavorful, and I had no regrets choosing it over the burrata cheese.
There was only one vegetarian entree on the menu, which was a vegetable kofta. The kofta was absolutely delicious, being the perfect example of comfort food served on a warm plate. It was cooked in a flavorful mughlai sauce with aromatic spices, served alongside saffron rice and paratha.
I wrapped up dinner with the mocha mascarpone tart, which was beautifully presented and tasted great, with the right amount of chocolate and mascarpone, and a hint of coffee.
After dessert, I requested the crew for a mug of sencha green tea, which was beautifully presented on a tray, along with a Godiva chocolate. I love the attention to detail that Etihad puts towards their meal service. Almost every other airline that serves tea doesn’t present it as well as Etihad.
I woke up after getting a solid amount of sleep and requested the crew for a light meal. From the All Day section of the menu, I ordered the mango and chia seed bowl, which was light and refreshing. Presented on the tray was a bowl of fresh fruit and some breakfast pastries. Etihad’s All Day menu offers an impressive selection, but I wish that they offered a proper breakfast service like Emirates and Qatar in addition to the All Day menu. This paired nicely with a decaffeinated iced latte. I wish more airlines offered quality coffee drinks like Etihad.
The crew set up a small snack box in the forward Business Class galley, where passengers could stretch their legs and take packaged snacks back to their seats. While this is a nice feature to have on a long haul flight, I didn’t take anything from the selection and only went up to stretch my legs.
Flight attendants went through the cabin on a regular basis to offer extra water bottles and ask passengers if they wanted anything to eat or drink. Before arriving in Abu Dhabi, I asked the crew for a decaffeinated flat white, which was beautifully served in a porcelain cup alongside a madeline and a baked cookie on a tray.
How Impressive are the Amenities in Etihad Business Class?
Upon boarding, each Business Class suite is stocked with a pair of noise canceling headphones, an Atlas inflight magazine, an amenity kit, a memory foam mattress pad, a blanket, and a pillow. Etihad Airways partnered with Armani/Casa for the bedding that they offer in Business Class, which is a step-up in their soft product. The Armani/Casa blanket and pillow are both comfortable to use while sleeping. I really like the mattress pad Etihad offers in Business Class, with stunning colors and a geometric design inspired by Etihad’s logo. Previously, Etihad just offered a pillow and blanket in terms of Business Class bedding on long haul flights, which can currently be found on some shorter flights. The inflight bedding Etihad offers is one of the best in the world.
Etihad’s amenity kits are supplied from Giorgio Armani and are made of Italian leather. The amenity kits contain skincare products supplied from ESPA, a luxury skincare brand. The amenity kit’s contents consist of a pair of earplugs, an Etihad branded eye mask, a small dental kit, hydrating face mist, hand and body lotion, and lip balm. The Armani amenity kits are a step-up from those that were provided by Acqua di Parma.
I wasn’t expecting Etihad to have an inflight magazine because most airlines stopped offering them once the pandemic hit. The Atlas magazine contains information about Etihad Airways, top travel destinations, and some news articles.
How was the Service Provided in Etihad Business Class?
Etihad Airways has one of the most professional and courteous cabin crew out of any in the world. The service provided by a multilingual and multinational cabin crew really blew me away to the point where I felt like I was their own child. The Etihad crew on my flight were friendly and engaging with passengers and constantly offered extra food and snacks, as well as beverage refills. Turn down service is available upon request, though I wish that Etihad offered turn down service without it having to be on request.
Booking Etihad Business Class/Pricing
For a one-way Etihad Business Class ticket from New York to Abu Dhabi, prices can start at around $5,000. Etihad highly focuses on luxury and quality with its Business Class experience, so the prices can get pretty expensive compared to those of other airlines. Emirates, the other flag carrier of the United Arab Emirates, leans more towards a fun and entertaining Business Class experience, with award-winning IFE and onboard lounges, therefore, Emirates Business Class can be slightly more affordable. Points and miles is always an option when purchasing an Etihad Business Class ticket.
Etihad Airways is a partner airline of Air Canada, American Airlines, Air France, and Oman Air, just to name a few. It’s possible to book Etihad Business Class through one of these partner airlines. You can redeem AAdvantage miles or Air Canada Aeroplan points to fly Etihad Airways. If you’re using AAdvantage miles to redeem a ticket, it's going to cost you 70,000 miles one-way from the U.S. to the Middle East. If you're booking with Air Canada one-way, it’s going to cost 90,000 Aeroplan Points. You can fly Etihad Business Class for 120,000 Etihad Guest miles on a flight that exceeds 6,001 miles, not including additional fees that are significantly less than the Business Class ticket in cash.
Overall Thoughts
In just 13 hours on my first Etihad flight, I’ve become quite fond of their Business Class product. Compared to Emirates A380 Business Class and Qatar’s Qsuites, Etihad’s Business Class feels more old fashioned. Etihad doesn’t have onboard bars on their A380s, nor do they have a revolutionary and outstanding Business Class product on the majority of their A350s and 777s. In Business Class, Etihad puts luxury over fun, with an impressive hard product and soft product. The Sapphire Lounge at JFK Etihad passengers get access to is a great space to kick off a Business Class flight, with plenty of seating and enjoyable food. Etihad’s new hard product is modern, with private, spacious seats and wireless charging. The Emirati carrier’s new 787s are equipped with viasat Wi-Fi and a large, responsive touchscreen IFE, with a great selection of movies, but isn’t as outstanding as Qatar Oryx One or Emirates ICE. Dining on demand is a service standard closer to First Class rather than Business, and Etihad offers an impressive food and drink selection, with incredible beverages and an extensive menu for a 13 hour flight. Etihad’s Business Class amenities are provided from ESPA and Armani/Casa. The memory foam mattress pad is a game changer when sleeping, and the amenity kit contains more than what is needed for an ultra long haul flight. Etihad has announced that they will provide pajamas in Business Class before I took this flight, but it was sad to not see them onboard. However, the amazing service provided by a proactive cabin crew made up for all of the small mishaps. If I were traveling to the Middle East, I would certainly fly Etihad Business Class again because it's easy to sleep and relax in a smaller and more private cabin, which the 787 offers.