Review – Etihad A380 Business Studios Melbourne – Abu Dhabi

After a fantastic time in the Etihad Melbourne lounge, I headed down and boarded EY461 headed for Abu Dhabi. I was quite excited for the flight as I haven’t yet reviewed Etihad business class on the blog. Boarding was fast, and within a few minutes, I was seated in seat 12A.

Seat 12A

Etihad’s A380 has 70 business class split into 3 areas. There are 44 seats in the first section, 20 in the second and 6 in the third. I was actually quite surprised I got so far forward considering I booked a day before the flight. All business class seats lay fully flat at 6 feet and have direct aisle access.

Business Class IFE

Each seat has a 15” touch screen monitor, USB, in-seat power, built-in massage functions and noise canceling headphones. On the left of your seat, you’ll find the side console where you’ll find the seat and light controls and remote.

On these two panels bellow, you can choose the angle of your seats, cushion firmness, light settings and even put your seat into ‘Do Not Disturb.’

Seat Functions

Seat And Light Controls

On the right you’ll find two storage containers, there are only accessible for forward facing window seats.

Seat Storage

The flight left Melbourne with only one spare seat in business; Etihad is filling seats on all Australian legs very well.

A380 Business Class Cabin

Passengers In first and business can use the lounge area called the ”lobby” which is located in the main galley, in front of business and behind first.

A380 Lobby

The lobby can seat up to 6 passengers and even has charging points and seat belts. The lobby also has a 32-inch screen on the wall that plays live TV.

A380 Lobby

A380 Lobby

Opposite the lobby, you’ll find the bar area. The bar is serviced by a crew member, not self-served.

A380 Bar

A380 Bar

After taking photos of the lobby I went back to my seat and ordered dinner. Here are the menus:

All Day Menu

A La Carte Menu

Beverage Menu

Beverage Menu

As you order your meal you are brought some warm nuts and a drink of your choice; I choose sparkling water.

Nuts And Sparkling Water

For the entree, I went with the Arabic Mezze

Arabic Mezze

Arabic Mezze

For the main, I went with the beef tenderloin.

Beef Tenderloin

Beef Tenderloin

And for dessert, I went with vanilla and chocolate Ice-cream.

Ice-cream

Ice-cream

The meals were fresh and quite filling. After finishing eating I decided to go to sleep and ended up having around 10 hours of deep sleep, it felt fantastic to be refreshed and alert.

After waking up I went and took some photo’s of the bathroom which weren’t exactly spotless, but that’s understandable with 70 people using them.

A380 Bathroom

The A380 have five lavatories onboard for business passengers,  three at the back of the large section and two right at the end of the cabin.

A380 Bathroom

Etihad uses Scaramouche + Fandango products in the bathrooms and in the amenity kits.

Scaramouche + Fandango

Here are some more pictures of seat 12A.

A380 Business Class

A380 Business Class

A380 Business Class

A380 Business Class

Business Class Amenity Kit

Etihad provide noise canceling headphones which are alright, but I much prefer to use my Bose QC35’s

Noise Cancelling Headphones

You’ll notice that the headphone has a special adapter do you won’t be able to take them home with you 😉

Noise Cancelling Headphones

You also have various amounts of reading material and a duty-free magazine.

Bottom Line

Etihad didn’t fail to disappoint. From the lounge to arrival the experience is fantastic. Etihad often has business class fares on sale and also always have availability in advance and last minute.