Ethiopian Airlines
Boeing 787-8
Ethiopian Airlines 787-8 Seat Guide (2026) | Cabin.coach
TL;DR
The 787-8 features a 2-2-2 business class and 3-3-3 economy layout. Prioritize Collins Diamond Parallel equipped aircraft (Type 2) for superior business class experience with better direct aisle access. Avoid Zodiac Aura Lite equipped aircraft (Type 1) and window seats in the 2-2-2 configuration if you prefer aisle accessibility. Check your aircraft registration prefix before booking.
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Ethiopian Airlines operates two distinct 787-8 configurations with varying business class products. The newer Collins Diamond Parallel seats offer superior comfort with direct aisle access, while older Zodiac Aura Lite equipped aircraft provide a more basic experience. Understanding which aircraft type you're flying is essential for maximizing your seat selection.
Business Class
Ethiopian Airlines operates two distinct business class products on the 787-8. Type 1 aircraft feature Zodiac Aura Lite seats in a 2-2-2 configuration with 24 total seats. Type 2 aircraft are equipped with Collins Diamond Parallel seats, offering 30-36 business class seats in the same 2-2-2 layout. The Collins Diamond Parallel product is significantly superior, featuring enhanced ergonomics and better access configurations. Neither configuration includes privacy doors between seats.
Economy Class
Economy class operates in a 3-3-3 configuration throughout the aircraft. Standard seat pitch and width specifications are not fully detailed, but the wide-body 787 fuselage provides a relatively spacious economy experience compared to narrow-body aircraft. The 3-3-3 layout means middle seats are unavoidable in this cabin class.
Best seats
Seat | Cabin | Why |
|---|---|---|
1A, 1C, 1F | Business | Front row Collins Diamond Parallel seats (Type 2 aircraft only) with maximum legroom and preferred positioning |
A/F aisle seats | Business | Aisle access in 2-2-2 configuration for easier movement and lavatory access |
Forward economy rows | Economy | Extra legroom proximity and forward galley convenience |
Seats to avoid
Seat | Cabin | Why |
|---|---|---|
Any seat (Type 1) | Business | Zodiac Aura Lite equipped aircraft (registrations ET-AO*, ET-ARE, ET-ARF) offer inferior product and less spacious seating |
B/E window seats | Business | Window seats in 2-2-2 configuration lack direct aisle access, requiring passage over a middle seat |
Last rows | Economy | Reduced recline, proximity to lavatories, and galley noise |
Middle seats (all) | Economy | 3-3-3 configuration makes middle seats least desirable for comfort and aisle access |
How do I identify which 787-8 configuration I'm flying?
Check your aircraft registration number. Type 2 Collins Diamond Parallel aircraft have registrations ET-AS* or ET-AT*. Type 1 Zodiac Aura Lite aircraft have registrations ET-AO*, ET-ARE, or ET-ARF. Most flight tracking websites display the specific aircraft assignment.
What's the difference between the two business class products?
Type 1 features Zodiac Aura Lite seats offering basic business class amenities in a compact design. Type 2 features Collins Diamond Parallel seats with enhanced comfort, better ergonomics, and superior access in the same 2-2-2 configuration. The Collins product is noticeably more comfortable for long-haul flights.
Are there privacy doors in business class?
No, neither business class configuration includes privacy doors. However, the 2-2-2 layout provides more isolation than denser configurations, particularly in the Type 2 Collins Diamond Parallel seats.
Is premium economy available?
No, Ethiopian Airlines does not offer premium economy on the 787-8. The aircraft operates only business and economy classes.
Which middle seats should I avoid in business class?
The 2-2-2 configuration has no dedicated middle seats. Seats are arranged as window-aisle pairs (B/C) and center-aisle pairs (D/E). Avoid window seats (B and E) if you prefer direct aisle access without climbing over seatmates.
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