Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates, has announced significant updates to its North American operations. The move comes ahead of the upcoming winter travel season, and will see the Airbus A350 support the Toronto route.
The network expansion will see a boost to daily services for Boston with its widebody Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. The Airbus A350 will be deployed on services to Toronto.
Boston Goes Daily With 787-9 Service
Starting October 27, Etihad will increase its nonstop service between Boston and Abu Dhabi. The route frequency will be increased from four weekly flights to daily operations.
This expansion offers North American business and leisure travelers greater flexibility and choice when planning trips to the UAE, Gulf region, and Indian subcontinent.
The decision to boost Boston flights comes on the heels of the route’s strong performance. The North American route was originally inaugurated just three months ago.
Boston became Etihad’s fourth U.S. destination, joining Chicago, New York, and Washington D.C., alongside Toronto in Canada. This expansion further solidifies Etihad’s growing footprint in the North American market.

Arik De, Etihad’s Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, offered comment about the expansion, noting the demand experienced for the route to date. “Our Boston service has exceeded expectations since its March launch, with flights consistently near capacity.”
“Given the record passenger demand we’ve experienced, we’re excited to further invest in the North American market by increasing our Boston flight frequency ahead of the peak winter travel season.”
The Boston-Abu Dhabi route utilizes Etihad’s state-of-the-art Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. This aircraft features the airline’s acclaimed Business Studios and Economy Smart seats, with 28 seats in Business and 262 in Economy.
Passengers enjoy a superior travel experience with advanced entertainment systems, in-seat power, and in-flight Wi-Fi connectivity, all complemented by Etihad’s world-class service and hospitality.
Timing of Connections
The timing of the Boston service is strategically designed to offer convenient connections to Etihad’s expanding network.
This is particularly beneficial for corporate travelers and leisure guests connecting to destinations across the UAE, the Gulf region, and Etihad’s 11 nonstop routes into India.
Etihad’s partnership with JetBlue further enhances its North American reach, providing seamless connections to numerous cities across the continent.
This collaboration opens up a world of possibilities for travelers, allowing for easy exploration of diverse destinations.

A unique advantage for U.S.-bound travelers is the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facility at Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport.
This pre-clearance service, the only one of its kind in the Middle East, allows passengers to complete U.S. immigration and customs inspections before departure.
Upon arrival in the U.S., travelers can simply collect their bags and go, streamlining the entry process significantly.
Toronto Upgraded to Airbus A350
In addition to the Boston expansion, Etihad is elevating its service to Toronto. Beginning October 27, the airline will deploy its cutting-edge Airbus A350 on daily flights to Toronto Pearson Airport.
Arik De highlighted the significance of this upgrade: “The Airbus A350 is setting new standards for air travel, combining increased efficiencies with superior comfort.”
“Introducing the A350 on our Toronto route aligns perfectly with our strategy to meet growing customer demand and expand our network while enhancing the overall travel experience.”

The Airbus A350, powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, stands out as one of the most efficient aircraft in the world.
It boasts a 25% reduction in fuel burn and CO2 emissions compared to previous models, aligning with Etihad’s commitment to sustainability.
Passengers on the Toronto route will experience Etihad’s newest cabin interior, infused with thoughtful design details.
The Business class cabin features 44 Business Studios, each offering enhanced privacy and comfort. These forward-facing seats provide direct aisle access and convert into fully flat beds stretching 79 inches in length.

Additional amenities include noise-cancelling headphones, 18.5-inch TV screens, built-in wireless charging docks, and Bluetooth headphone pairing.
Business class guests can indulge in a carefully curated à la carte menu or take advantage of Etihad’s signature ‘dine anytime’ service, offering flexibility to suit individual preferences and schedules.
As Etihad Airways continues to invest in and expand its North American services, these enhancements reflect the airline’s dedication to meeting increasing demand.
The latest network enhancements should improve passenger experiences, and strengthening the UAE carrier’s position in the competitive North American market.

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