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Airbus A380-800 – Etihad has four of this aircraft in its fleet.
Sydney to Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Etihad Guest (Etihad Airways Partners alliance).
Economy; aisle seat 62G, main deck (downstairs).
Etihad flies twice daily, direct, from both Sydney and Melbourne to Abu Dhabi; some services ex-Sydney are operated by Virgin Australia.
14 hours, 20 minutes.
The main deck has 417 economy class seats in 3-4-3 configuration. My seat, in the centre block, is forward of a bulkhead but still reclines; it has headrest wings to minimise head-lolling. At 18.9 inches (48 centimetres) width and 31 inches (79cm) pitch, the space is adequate although long-legged folk might opt to pay extra for an exit aisle spot. The touch screen, with power-point and USB port, has so many functions (even showing the distance to Mecca) that it is a virtual entertainment/work station; wireless internet and phone access can be bought. The quality, noise-cancelling headsets are an audible pleasure compared to the flimsy cans offered by other carriers.
Checked baggage is a generous 30 kilograms, with one hand-carry item to seven kilograms.
The cabin is well-maintained but the temperature is frigid. Blankets are distributed along with a good sleep kit. It is a fairly full flight but, other than the customary jam at boarding and disembarking, it doesn't feel unduly crowded.
The E-Box system offers some 750 hours of on-demand entertainment. These come at you on a sharp, 10.6" (27cm) touch-screen.
An attentive multinational crew, speaking 13 languages, go about their tasks unobtrusively.
About 90 minutes after takeoff the dinner wagons roll out. With the vegetarian option soon finished, I take an "Arabic-spiced" lamb casserole with eggplant, ratatouille and spiced potatoes – possibly the tastiest main I have eaten on an economy flight. Red velvet cake with passionfruit icing extends the pleasure. Breakfast (frittata with better-than-usual chicken sausage) comes four hours before landing. It's a long wait between meals but not drinks. Just ask and you receive at any time tea, coffee, soft drinks or alcohol, plus light snacks.
The loos, kept impeccably clean, are a pleasure and feature good mirrors, low-glare lighting and a hushed flush. Which is a good thing because, upon arrival in Abu Dhabi's otherwise fine airport, WCs are few, far between and crowded.
Etihad is the national airline of the United Arab Emirates and has scored an industry gong for "world's leading airline" six years running. If this flight, my first on this obviously well-funded carrier, is an indicator, the title is deserved.
See also: Best airlines in all classes named
