United Arab Emirates (UAE) national carrier Etihad Airways has announced it will introduce its new modern generation Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on its route between Abu Dhabi and Singapore from this autumn. The deployment of the aircraft from August 1, 2015 is part of a major upgrade for the route this year which will include the introduction of a First Class offering from June 1, 2015 and a schedule change to enhance connection options via Abu Dhabi International Airport.

Etihad Airways first commenced flights to Singapore’s Changi International Airport on September 28, 2007 on a three times weekly basis, growing to a daily schedule from February 1, 2013. The route is currently served using an Airbus A330-200 but from June 1, 2015 the airline is using a three-class A330-300, supporting the debut of the First Class offering on the route.

The A330-300 will serve the route for just two calendar months ahead of the debut of the Boeing 787-9 from August 1, 2015, which Etihad Airways’ president and chief executive officer, James Hogan, believes will bolster the airline’s position in the competitive Singapore travel market.

“From a guest experience perspective, the dimensions and unique features of the Dreamliner aircraft have enabled us to customise it with the most innovative and sophisticated cabins. This means, from August 1, 2015, travellers between Abu Dhabi and Singapore will experience levels of comfort and attention to detail not enjoyed previously by today’s air traveller or offered by our competitors on the route,” he said.

The airline has configured its 787s with eight First Suites, 28 Business Studios and 199 Economy Smart Seats, meaning a small capacity decline versus the A330-200 currently used on the Abu Dhabi – Singapore route. It is one of the largest customers for the Dreamliner with commitments for 71 aircraft, including the larger -10 variant.

It currently operates the 787-9 to Washington DC and Mumbai, and from June 1, to Düsseldorf and Brisbane, with more destinations being added as it takes delivery of more of the type. The airline will also begin taking delivery of 787s in a two-class configuration from 2016.

Alongside the new aircraft, a schedule switch will also enhance the Abu Dhabi – Singapore – Abu Dhabi offering, according to the airline. As the data below from OAG Schedules Analyser, illustrates, the flight will switch to an evening departure from June 1, 2015 with a further minor schedule change at the start of the winter 2015/2016 schedules in late October.

“The new schedule timings – with evening departures in both directions – will offer guests in the UAE and Singapore more convenient travel times and improved connectivity to 35 destinations in the GCC, Middle East, Africa and Europe,” added Hogan.