This post is a mini-review of the Business Class cabin on the Etihad 777 aircraft.
Destination update: As of January 2024, these aircraft currently primarily operate certain flights from Abu Dhabi to Amsterdam, Bangkok, Delhi, Dublin, Kuala Lumpur, Manchester, Manila, Melbourne, Mumbai, Phuket, Rome, Sydney, and Toronto.
Etihad EY32
Paris (CDG) to Abu Dhabi (AUH)
23 May 2023
Depart: 10:25 (scheduled) 10:42 (actual)
Arrive: 19:00 (scheduled) 19:38 (actual)
Duration: 6h 56m
Aircraft: Boeing 777-300
Seat: 12C (Business Class)
Etihad Airways currently has nine 777 aircraft in service. These planes were due to be retired by the end of 2021. However, delays in adding the A350s to the fleet and the fast rebound in passenger demand post-covid have extended their life with Etihad.
One of my last trips on Etihad pre-covid was to Singapore and back on a 777. Even then, the cabin interiors on the 777s looked tired and a little dated, particularly compared to the Business Studios on the A380 and 787.
Last week, I flew from Paris to Abu Dhabi on one of these ageing 777s. The memory of my previous 777 flight in 2020 left me a little wary. I was expecting to be disappointed.
In the days leading up to departure, I spent far too much time looking for an alternative flight. However, Paris was the only departure point with GuestSeat availability on the dates I needed, and the schedule was perfect.
Seating on the Etihad 777
The Etihad 777 has the Stelia Solstys seat installed. These are in a staggered 1-2-1 configuration, all with direct aisle access.
The solo seats alternate between being close to the windows or closer to the aisle. The former have more privacy (and better views) while the latter feel slightly more spacious but are exposed to the aisle.
When I came to book, only two seats were left to select. There was a choice of 7A, a proper window seat next to the toilets or 12C, one of the window seats exposed to the aisle windows but with a missing window.
While I much prefer the privacy of the A seats, I was not keen to spend 7 hours next to the restroom on a day flight.
First impressions
Walking into the cabin was a pleasant surprise. It looked brighter and more spacious than expected.
The seats have been upholstered with Etihad’s new signature fabric pattern. The headrests have been replaced with darker, warmer leather. The colour combination is similar to that being rolled out on the new 787 Business seats joining the fleet towards the end of 2023.
The tables also appear to have been reclad with a light metallic sheen vaguely reminiscent of a rose gold iPhone.
The images of Abu Dhabi that used to feature on the cabin dividers have been removed, contributing to the fresher, more contemporary vibe.
The IFE is the same. While the screen is smaller than the 787 and A350s, the system is easy to use, the picture quality is sharp, and the selection is extensive.
My only real issue on the flight was with power. The USB sockets were loose and occasionally needed some wiggling to keep charging my devices.
A sky full of stars
I had forgotten about the charming starry sky feature on Etihad’s 777s. It appeared after the lunch service was complete, leaving me feeling very serene and nostologic about past journey’s with Etihad.
Using Etihad Guest Miles to book
I booked this flight using Etihad Guest Miles. The one-way cost from Paris to Abu Dhabi was 74,290 miles plus 335 EUR.
Unfortunately, it was not possible to make the booking online. The miles were coming from a Family Account. Since the Etihad IT upgrade this spring, it has only been possible to make bookings from a family account online for the main account holder. For everyone else, it is necessary to call the call centre.
This is particularly frustrating as the price quoted by the call centre is slightly higher than what is available online. I have been told that this is a known bug and something that it will be fixed eventually.
Overall impressions
While the Stelia Solstys seats are a little dated, the refreshed Etihad 777 Business cabin has a premium feel, particularly when combined with the new Casa Armani inflight amenities. The one significant downside of this particular seat is the lack of any real storage.
I had originally tried to book a different route to avoid this aircraft. That turned out to be totally unnecessary. Etihad has done an excellent job refreshing the 777 business cabins. I enjoyed the flight and would happily fly the 777 again.
These aircraft will only be in service for a bit longer. You can tell if you are travelling on a 777 if you see a plane in the old Etihad livery at the gate.
Pingback: Etihad upgrades onboard wifi with free chat and unlimited data - The Expat Flyer
Sitting in an Etihad 777 now, after a flight on a 787 and I have to respectfully disagree.
The seats look and feel dated, there is basically zero storage (water bottles and headphones and phones and tablets all over the place) the USB ports don’t work (i tried 4 – what can I say, it’s a long flight) and the general feel is what I expect some 3 stars airlines to feel (not going to name names). Dldisappointed that EY is using them on Australian flights, some of the longest and highest yield flights.
Had no idea they are to be retired- thanks for the update
Transferring from a 787 to the 777 is definitely a step down – no argument with that! And faulty USB on an Australia flight would be particularly frustrating. I am surprised they haven’t scheduled the A350 on the Australia routes in place of the 777. I assume the A350 fleet just isn’t large enough yet.
Yep, on a B777 out of Sydney now and I feel cheated. This is business class from 20 years ago. Plus all the 1st class passengers are putting their gear in my overhead locker (I’m in 5A, I didn’t book that by the way!!
“Thanks for this review. I have booked a flight with Etihad and will now cancel as it is a long way to travel not happy