Etihad Airways has introduced a new level of luxury in short and medium-haul flights with the arrival of its all-new Airbus A321LR. The airline is bringing its well-known comfort and elegance to a single-aisle aircraft, offering travelers a wide-body experience on narrower routes. Featuring the new First Suite, 14 Business seats with direct aisle access, and upgraded Economy seats, Etihad Airways is redefining travel standards. The A321LR brings a new era for Etihad Airways, aligning with its goal of doubling fleet size, tripling passenger numbers, and opening 16 new destinations in 2025.
Chief Executive Officer Antonoaldo Neves said, “The A321LR is an amazing aircraft which proves our commitment to luxury, customer experience, and connectivity.” He added that the improvements in every class maintain the luxury experience found on Etihad Airways’ wide-body fleet while keeping passengers connected through superfast Wi-Fi available throughout the journey. “More broadly, the A321LR marks a transformational moment for Etihad as we accelerate toward our Journey 2030 vision: doubling our fleet size, tripling our passenger numbers, and opening 16 new destinations in 2025 alone.”
Etihad Airways is offering a new First Suite for the first time on a single-aisle aircraft. The exclusive First Suite provides a private, enclosed space with a sliding door, a lie-flat bed, elevated dining options, and personalized design features. Guests will experience luxury that was once only available on long-haul flights.
The First Suite includes a large 20-inch 4K entertainment screen, Bluetooth pairing, and wireless charging. It even has enough space for a companion to sit during the flight, making it a unique experience on narrow-body routes. The A321LR also introduces 14 Business seats arranged in a herringbone layout, all with direct aisle access. Each Business seat transforms into a fully flat 78-inch bed and offers a 17.3-inch 4K screen, Bluetooth headphone pairing, wireless charging, and personal storage.
Passengers flying Economy will enjoy 144 redesigned seats that recline up to 5 inches, with enhanced ergonomics and an 18.4-inch width, one of the widest in the market for single-aisle planes. Every Economy seat features a 13.3-inch 4K touchscreen, USB charging, and access to Etihad Airways’ latest entertainment system. Internet connectivity onboard uses Viasat’s multi-orbit ready system, capable of speeds up to 1 Gbps. This service allows passengers to enjoy streaming, social media, browsing, and gaming from gate to gate.
The First Suite journey beyond the aircraft
Introducing the A321LR and the First Suite is just part of Etihad Airways’ expanded commitment to premium service. The airline is launching new First Class experiences across more routes, focusing on detailed improvements. New services will begin rolling out starting August with the A321LR.
Neves shared, “As well as investing heavily to expand our First class offering, we’re taking the time to enhance every tiny detail of the experience and introducing a host of new premium services over the next couple of months – stay tuned.”
Booking First Class with Etihad Airways will now give guests access to a 24/7 Etihad Concierge for tailored travel planning. In the UAE and all First Class destinations, guests will enjoy private chauffeur services to and from the airport. At the airport, they will experience a dedicated Check-In area, personal escort to the Etihad First Lounge, and assistance up to boarding. Upon arrival, guests will be met at the aircraft door and escorted to their private chauffeur, with porters handling the luggage.
In Abu Dhabi, First guests will also soon have the option of complimentary Home Check-In and Land & Leave services, providing a smoother airport experience. At Zayed International Airport, if boarding directly from the terminal is not available, First passengers will be chauffeured to the aircraft door in a private limousine.
Neves said, “First isn’t just a seat – it’s an experience that starts the moment you choose to fly with us. We’re bringing First to more destinations and elevating it at every touchpoint, combining the elegance of champagne and caviar with the convenience of modern luxury.”
Etihad Airways will put the first A321LR into service starting August 1, 2025, with ten aircraft expected to join the fleet this year. The A321LR will connect Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport to cities including Algiers, Athens, Bangkok, Chennai, Chiang Mai, Copenhagen, Dusseldorf, Kolkata, Krabi, Medan, Milan, Paris, Phnom Penh, Phuket, Riyadh, Tunis, and Zurich.
The expansion of the A321LR fleet strengthens Etihad Airways’ role in promoting tourism and economic growth in Abu Dhabi while maintaining a premium travel experience for every passenger.
