Etihad Airways is increasing premium capacity between Abu Dhabi and London over the coming spring and summer months. EY17 and EY1 will be operated by a two-class 787-10 from 29 March 2020. This replaces a two-class 787-9.
EY 17 departs Abu Dhabi at 1410 and lands at London Heathrow at 1845. The return flight is particularly well-timed for a full day in both London and Abu Dhabi. EY18 leaves London at 2155 and arrives in Abu Dhabi at 0800 the next morning.
The 787-10 is the longest version of the Dreamliner. The extra length provides space for an additional four Business Studios onboard. Overall, this will add 28 Business Class seats between Abu Dhabi and London every week.
What does this mean for GuestSeats availability?
The larger premium cabin may make GuestSeats redemptions in Business Class a little easier to come by.
Over the last couple of years, there has generally been good availability for miles redemption bookings between Abu Dhabi and London over the spring and summer months. The obvious exception being the days immediately around the start and end of the school holidays.
Sadly, the 787-10 is kitted out in a two-class format with no First Class cabin. This is a real shame. I am a big fan of Etihad’s First Class seat on the Dreamliner and even prefer it to the First Class Apartments on the A380.
Limited Economy Space seats onboard the 787
Economy Space is the name of Etihad’s extra-legroom product. These are standard economy seats but come with up to five inches of extra legroom. Is it worth it? In short, yes. Read my review of Etihad’s Economy Space for all the details.
Last year Etihad Guest added new seat selection benefits for Etihad Guest elites. Platinum Guests can choose Economy Space seats for free while Gold Guests get a 50% when reserving these seats.
Unfortunately, the 787-10 only has a single row of extra-legroom Economy Space seats available to select in advance. The only aircraft with a significant number of Economy Space seats are Etihad’s A380s.
If you have Etihad Guest status and are flying to London in Economy you may be better off booking onto one of the three flights operated by an A380 to secure an Economy Space seat for free or at a discount.
You can check availability and book GuestSeats with miles here. If you are a few miles short of a redemption Etihad Guest is currently offering a 20% bonus on miles purchases. The offer runs till 29 February. Buy Etihad Guest Miles here.
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You can expect lots of information about Etihad Guest as well as Skywards, the loyalty programme of Emirates and flydubai. I also plan to share my thoughts on the best credit cards for points and miles earning in the UAE.