Emirates vs Etihad: Difference and Comparison

Emirates vs Etihad

Emirates and Etihad are among the most prestigious airlines in the aviation industry. Flying with one of these airlines is a memorable experience and a luxury that is worth every penny.

These two renowned airlines both hail from the United Arab Emirates, but is there a difference between Emirates vs Etihad Airways?

Emirates and Etihad Airways are two major airlines in the Middle East. They offer exquisite cabins and services. Since these airlines commenced operation, Emirate and Etihad Airways have emerged as the best choice for international travellers.

You experience luxury at its finest when choose to fly Emirates or Etihad Airways. But the question is, which would be your preference and why?

 Stay with us as we discuss and compare the standards of these two major airlines in the Middle East.

Emirates

Emirates is a subsidiary of the Emirates Group based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The airline and Etihad Airways are the two flag carriers of the United Arab Emirates.

Emirates was established in 1985 and the initiative was supported by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai. On October 25 of the same year, the airline’s first successful flight took off from Dubai and landed in Karachi, Pakistan.

According to Wikipedia, Pakistan International Airlines was supportive towards the establishment of Emirates in its early years. The airline provided both technical and administrative assistance to Emirates.

Emirates received a new Boeing 737-300 and an Airbus A300B4-200 from Pakistan International Airlines.

Since its inception, Emirates has emerged as one of the top choices for international travel. The airline is currently the largest in the Middle East as it operates over 3,600 flights weekly.

Emirates currently has a fleet of 270 aircraft. The airline operates across six contents, flying to over 150 cities in 80 countries. Emirates SkyCargo is responsible for all cargo activities.

Presently, Emirates is the second-largest airline regarding freight tonne-kilometres flown and the fourth-largest airline worldwide by scheduled revenue passenger-kilometres flown.

The airline’s fleet is a mix of Airbus and Boeing wide-body aircraft. As of when this article was written, Emirates is the world’s largest Airbus A380 operator- the airline’s fleet currently has 123 Airbus A380 aircraft in service.

Emirates also has 133 Boeing 777 aircraft in service, making it the world’s largest operator of the aircraft.

Emirates vs Etihad

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Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways is a renowned airline headquartered in Khalifa City Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The airline is one of the flag carriers of the United Arab Emirates and was founded in July 2003.

In November 2003, Etihad Airways commenced operation and today, the airline is the second-largest in the United Arab Emirates.

The idea to establish Etihad Airways began in July 2003. Then, the former president, late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan wanted Abu Dhabi to own an airline. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan issued a Royal Decree that founded the prestigious Etihad Airways- as a national airline of the UAE.

On November 5, 2003, Etihad Airways launched a ceremonial flight to Al Ain. A week later, the airline commenced commercial operation, with the launch of services to the capital city of Lebanon, Beirut.

The following year was the beginning of making lucrative financial decisions for the airline. Etihad Airways officially announced that they ordered 35 Boeing 787s and 10 Boeing 777s.

Currently, Etihad Airways operates over a thousand flights weekly to more than 120 countries across six continents. The airline also currently has a fleet of over 80 Airbus and Boeing aircraft.

Etihad Airways main base is located at the Abu Dhabi International Airport, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Emirates vs Etihad

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Emirates vs Etihad: Key Differences between Emirates and Etihad

Etihad Airways and Emirates are two of the flag carriers of the UAE. These two prestigious airlines are top choices for international travel, as they are the largest airlines in the Middle East.

Emirates was established in 1985 and the initiative was supported by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai.

Since its inception, Emirates has emerged as one of the top choices for international travel. The airline is currently the largest in the Middle East as it operates over 3,600 flights weekly.

Emirates and Etihad Airways have a fleet with a mix of Airbus and Boeing aircraft. As of when this article was written, Emirates world’s largest Airbus A380 operator- the airline’s fleet currently has 123 Airbus A380 aircraft in service.

Etihad Airways is a renowned airline headquartered in Khalifa City Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. In November 2003, Etihad Airways commenced operation and today, the airline is the second-largest in the United Arab Emirates.

Emirates offers luxurious in-flight services, with comfy private suites and shower spas for those flying first class. The experience is nothing but luxury when you fly with one of the most prestigious airlines in the aviation industry.

You also get the same experience with Etihad Airways. Etihad Airways is the second-largest airline in the UAE and they mainly focus on smaller networks.

Emirates vs Etihad: More Differences

As the world’s largest Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 operator, you are guaranteed to have exceptional experience in a business class flight.

The Airbus A380 may not look so convincing on the outside, but the inside offers a luxurious space for an exceptional flight experience. The upper deck for business class is exquisite.

The airline Boeing 777 business class has standard seats for passengers.

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Emirates vs Etihad: Emirates Seat Configuration

On the Airbus A380, there are seventy-six lie-flat seats arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration. The seats may not be first-class standards, but they have a console and a minibar to one side.

The two centre seats on the aircraft have a privacy barrier between them that is electronically controlled.

Emirates: Lounge Area

There is a lounge in the rear of the business-class cabin and it’s open to both first-class and business-class passengers. It’s a nice place to be and stretch some legs on a long flight.

Inflight Entertainment

When you choose to fly Emirates, your entire flight experience will be nothing but entertaining.

Emirates ICE (information, communications, entertainment) system offers up to 3,500 channels. You can watch your favourite movies, and TV programs, listen to music and podcasts, or even play video games if you like.

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Emirates vs Etihad: Luxury Amenities

Etihad also offers wonderful in-flight entertainment to its passengers. Flying business class on Etihad is a luxury and it’s a better flight experience compared to first-class flights on other airlines.

Emirates vs Etihad: Extra Fees

 EmiratesEtihad Airways
Extra baggage allowance per kilogram$15 to $50$24 to $54
 Any additional piece of luggage$100 to $250$324 to $396
Preferred seat$25 to $100 
Regular seat selection$15 to $40No charges for Etihad guest members
Twin seat$35 to $135 
Extra legroom seat$55 to $250 
Unaccompanied minor service $100 to $150
Economic space seat selection No charges for Etihad guest platinum members
New bookings, ticket charges and refund services 30

Emirates vs Etihad: Key Differences in Dining Options

EmiratesEtihad Airways
Offers a choice of six-course mealsOffers a variety of mealssuch as Arabic mezze, chicken supreme, vanilla mousse cake, and chocolate.

Conclusion

Etihad Airways and Emirates are two of the largest airlines in the Middle East, with the latter being the world’s largest Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 operator.

Etihad Airways and Emirates are two of the flag carriers of the UAE. These two prestigious airlines are top choices for international travel. The experience is nothing short of entertaining when you fly with one of these prestigious airlines.

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References

  • Investopedia: Emirates vs. Etihad vs. Qatar: What’s the Difference?
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