Etihad Airways Boosts Flights to Boston and Toronto – Business Traveler USA

This fall, UAE carrier Etihad Airways will nearly double the frequency of its flights to Boston (BOS) while also deploying a larger aircraft on its Toronto (YYZ) route.

Etihad debuted its flight between Abu Dhabi (AUH) and Boston just three months ago as its fourth U.S. destination, following New York (JFK), Washington D.C. (IAD), and Chicago (ORD).

Photo: Business Class, Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. Courtesy of Etihad

The four-times weekly flight has been so well received that Etihad will make it a daily service starting on October 27.

“Our Boston service continues to perform strongly, with our flights near capacity since our inaugural flight in Boston this March,” said Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer at Etihad.

“Having already experienced record passenger demand, we’re excited to invest further in the North American market by expanding our flight frequency out of Boston ahead of the peak winter travel season.”

The nonstop flights will continue to be operated by a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, configured with 28 Business Studios, with lie-flat seats, closing doors, direct aisle access, and 262 seats in economy.

Photo: Etihad, Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. Courtesy of Etihad Airways

The flight, landing in Abu Dhabi just after noon local time, is scheduled to allow easy connections to Etihad’s Gulf region and beyond network, including its eleven flights to India.

Etihad also codeshares with JetBlue, allowing passengers from Abu Dhabi to connect to more than 40 U.S. destinations beyond Boston. For even easier connections, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility at Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport—the only CBP facility in the Middle East—allows travelers to clear U.S. immigration and customers before boarding.

With the expanded service to Boston, Etihad will compete with fellow UAE flag carrier Emirates, which also runs a daily flight from the Massachusetts capital.

Toronto gets a Boost

Also, starting on October 27, Etihad will begin operating its daily Toronto link with an Airbus A350, which is more spacious and luxurious than the Boeing 787 it currently uses and outfitted with Etihad’s latest cabin interior.

The Airbus A350 has 44 Business Studio seats and 327 economy seats, for a total of 371 seats. In contrast, the 787-10 Etihad currently flies to Toronto has 32 business class seats and 304 economy seats.

Etihad offers reverse-herringbone business class seats in a 1-2-1 configuration on its A350-1000 / Photo: Courtesy of Etihad Airways

The A350 also burns 25 percent less fuel and produces 25 percent less carbon emissions than comparable models.

“The Airbus A350 is setting new standards for air travel, with increased efficiencies and comfort. The introduction of the A350 to Toronto aligns with our strategy to meet increasing customer demand and expand our network,” Arik De said.