Etihad Airways Launches A350 on Abu Dhabi–Toronto Route

Etihad Airways has announced that it’s boosting the number of flights to North America later this year, and it will be doing it in style when it flies to Toronto.

This fall, Etihad’s service to Boston will be increased from four-times weekly to daily, but perhaps the bigger news here is the change the airline has announced regarding its Abu Dhabi to Toronto route.

As of October 27, 2024, Etihad Airways will launch its Airbus A350-1000 on the daily Toronto flights, complete with the airline’s newest business class product.

Etihad Airways Launches A350 on Abu Dhabi–Toronto Route

In addition to increasing its number of flights out of Boston this fall, Etihad Airways will begin flying its Airbus A350-1000 aircraft once daily from Abu Dhabi (AUH) to Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ).

The move will be an impressive upgrade to the passenger experience, given the current route is operated on the airline’s most outdated aircraft, the Boeing 777-300ER.

For the winter season, the route will operate with the following schedule:

• EY21, Abu Dhabi (AUH) to Toronto Pearson (YYZ), departing 2:45am and arriving 9:25am
• EY22, Toronto Pearson (YYZ) to Abu Dhabi (AUH), departing 3:30pm and arriving 12:20pm the next day

According to Etihad’s Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, Arik De, the introduction of the Airbus A350 to Toronto “aligns with the airline’s strategy to meet an increase in customer demand”.

The Airbus A350-1000 features Etihad’s newest cabin interior, which includes the latest iteration of its business class product.

Each of the 44 business class suites converts into a 79-inch fully flat bed with sliding doors, and comes complete with wireless charging, noise-cancelling headphones, and an 18.5- inch TV screen.

Plus, ​​business class passengers enjoy ordering from a curated à la carte menu, and can also choose to eat at their leisure with the dine anytime service.

How to Book Etihad Airways with Points

If news of the A350-1000 on the Abu Dhabi to Toronto route has you considering a flight this fall and you’re looking to do it on points, the three best options to consider are Air Canada Aeroplan (economy only), Air France KLM Flying Blue, and American Airlines AAdvantage.

You could also use Etihad Guest, but award rates are quite high and the cancellation policy is punitive, so…