Business Studio is Etihad Airways’ signature business class offering, now available on both the Airbus A380 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleets. This next-generation seat represents a significant leap from the previous ‘Pearl Business’ product, offering enhanced privacy, cutting-edge design, and a suite-like ambiance. Our editorial team attended the unveiling in Abu Dhabi and is pleased to present exclusive, never-before-seen images of this innovative cabin.
Business Studio on the Airbus A380 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner
Following our exploration of Etihad’s ultra-luxurious ‘The Residence’ and ‘First Apartment’ on the A380, and the ‘First Suite’ on the 787, we focus here on the game-changing Business Studio. Unlike the select placement of first class cabins, Business Studio is standard across both aircraft, giving more travelers access to this refined experience.
The seat’s development spanned half a decade, guided by the ‘work, rest, and play’ philosophy. According to Peter Baumgartner, Etihad’s Chief Commercial Officer, the objective was to raise business class to a level previously reserved for first class, combining intuitive technology with understated luxury.
With 20% more legroom than the previous model and a completely refreshed look, Business Studio offers a suite-like feel with elevated privacy. The high sidewalls and sliding privacy screen between paired center seats allow guests to tailor their level of seclusion or sociability.
Contemporary Suite-Style Layout
The 1-2-1 staggered configuration ensures direct aisle access for every guest, a hallmark of premium travel. Solo travelers will appreciate the window seats for tranquility, while pairs can opt for the center seats to enjoy the journey together. If you find yourself seated next to a stranger, the adjustable privacy divider guarantees discretion.
On the Boeing 787, there are 28 Business Studio seats, while the double-deck A380 features 70, all situated on the upper deck just aft of first class.
Poltrona Frau Leather Finish
The seats are upholstered in elegant beige Poltrona Frau leather—the same artisanal leather found in Ferrari interiors. EADS Sogerma crafted the A380 seats, while Zodiac Aerospace supplied those on the Dreamliner.
Each fully flat bed extends to 204 cm in length, with a generous width of 56 cm, ensuring restful sleep on even the longest routes.
Signature Arabian-Inspired Lighting
An ottoman serves as both a footrest and an integral part of the bed. Ample storage solutions abound: under-seat space for shoes and small bags, a side table for water, headphones, or books, and a diagonal surface for personal effects. The extendable dining table measures 40x46 cm, seamlessly integrated into the seat design.
Every detail in Business Studio draws inspiration from contemporary Arabian aesthetics. Multiple lighting options, including an overhead reading light and an ornate side lamp, create a welcoming, serene environment for work or relaxation.
Thoughtful Storage and Dining Solutions
New design and more privacy
Each seat features an advanced touch-screen remote, seamlessly integrated with Etihad’s latest entertainment platform. Guests can browse the entire content library directly from the remote, making navigation effortless and intuitive.
Ottoman Comfort and Ambient Lighting
The Business Studio cabin is equipped with the Panasonic EX3 entertainment system, delivering over 1,000 hours of high-definition content. The 18-inch HD display at every seat provides a cinematic viewing experience, and premium noise-cancelling headphones—featuring magnetic connectors—are now standard across all cabins.
Immersive 18-inch HD Screen
Intuitive Touch-Screen Remote
The remote is conveniently docked next to your seat, adjacent to a dedicated control panel for adjusting seat positions and activating the built-in massage function. These features have been designed for comfort and convenience during long-haul journeys.
High-speed Wi-Fi connectivity is available on both the A380 and 787, allowing guests to stay connected throughout their flight. As of 2025, the Dreamliner also supports limited cellular connectivity for select devices, reflecting Etihad’s commitment to technological innovation.
Remote and Seat Control Panel
New entertainment system
Business and first class guests traveling aboard the Airbus A380 enjoy exclusive access to ‘The Lobby’—a sophisticated lounge located on the upper deck between the premium cabins. This inviting space features a plush leather sofa, a widescreen television, and a self-service bar, creating an elegant environment for relaxation or conversation with fellow travelers.
Etihad has also reimagined the boarding experience, evoking the ambiance of a boutique hotel lobby. Ornate doors and screens, inspired by Arabian design, greet guests on the A380, transforming the galley and entryway into an inspiring and serene welcome area. This attention to detail reflects Etihad’s ongoing pursuit of hospitality excellence from the moment you step onboard.
The Lobby
Etihad’s Business Studio sets a new benchmark in premium travel, delivering a refined suite experience with full-flat beds and a staggered 1-2-1 layout. Building on the strengths of its predecessor, the latest iteration excels in privacy, comfort, and design sophistication—features that discerning travelers consistently value.
The contemporary color palette, ergonomic contours, and ambient lighting create a peaceful and luxurious atmosphere. During our hands-on review, the seat proved exceptionally comfortable, suitable for both working and unwinding above the clouds.
While the original launch of the A380 and 787 Dreamliner marked a pivotal moment for the airline, Etihad continues to refine the Business Studio based on passenger feedback and industry best practices. Today, the Business Studio is recognized as one of the world’s leading business class products, frequently earning accolades from Skytrax and other industry authorities.