Speaking about the new addition to the fleet, Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, said, "The A321LR is an amazing aircraft which proves our commitment to luxury, customer experience, and connectivity. With our new First Suites, 14 lie-flat Business seats with direct-aisle access, and upgraded Economy, we've taken the luxury experience which we are famed for on our widebody fleet and adapted it to offer guests the same experience in a single-aisle aircraft — all while keeping them seamlessly connected with superfast, streaming Wi-Fi throughout the journey."
The A321LR is central to Etihad’s ambitious "Journey 2030" vision, a plan that aims to double the fleet size, triple passenger numbers, and open 16 new destinations in 2025 alone.
Introducing the First Suite: A Revolution in Narrow-Body Travel
For the first time, Etihad is offering a full widebody-style First Class experience on a narrow-body aircraft. The A321LR boasts two exclusive First Suites, providing a level of privacy and luxury typically reserved for long-haul international flights.
Each First Suite is an enclosed private space with a sliding door, featuring a lie-flat bed, elevated dining experiences, and bespoke design touches. Guests are treated to a spacious environment where a companion can even join them, creating a truly intimate and luxurious setting. A large 20" 4K screen with Bluetooth pairing and wireless charging ensures entertainment is top-class throughout the flight.
With this innovative step, Etihad is redefining what it means to travel short and medium-haul, ensuring that luxury isn't limited by the distance flown.
Business Class Redefined: Widebody Comfort in a Narrowbody Aircraft
The new Business cabin on the A321LR continues Etihad’s commitment to excellence. Featuring 14 forward-facing seats in a 1-1 herringbone layout, each seat converts into a 78" fully-flat bed. Passengers enjoy direct aisle access, a hallmark of premium comfort that is rarely seen in narrow-body aircraft.
Each Business seat comes equipped with a 17.3" 4K screen, Bluetooth headphone pairing, wireless charging, and ample personal storage space. This seamless integration of comfort and technology ensures that passengers have a premium, connected journey whether traveling for business or leisure.
Economy Class: Raising the Standard for Regional Travel
Etihad's Economy class on the A321LR has been thoughtfully designed to offer an enhanced experience. The 144 seats provide up to 5" of recline, improved ergonomics, and generous space. At 18.4" wide, Etihad’s new Economy seats are among the widest in the industry, delivering widebody comfort on a narrowbody jet.
Each Economy seat is fitted with a 13.3" 4K touchscreen, offering USB charging and access to Etihad's next-generation entertainment system. From movies and series to games and live television, guests have countless ways to stay entertained throughout their journey.
Always Connected: Gate-to-Gate Wi-Fi and Live TV
One of the standout features of the new A321LR is the onboard connectivity. Equipped with Viasat's advanced, multi-orbit ready system, passengers can enjoy speeds of up to 1 Gbps. Superfast, streaming-capable Wi-Fi is available from gate-to-gate (where permitted), enabling passengers to work, browse, game, or enjoy social media without interruption.
Additionally, live TV services are available across the cabin, keeping passengers connected to global news and entertainment as they travel.
First-Class Beyond the Aircraft: Etihad’s End-to-End Premium Journey
Etihad’s vision for its First class offering extends far beyond the flight itself. From the moment a guest chooses to fly First, they will experience personalized service at every touchpoint.
The new Etihad Concierge service, available 24/7, provides tailored travel planning support. Guests traveling in First will also enjoy a private chauffeur service to and from the airport in the UAE and all First destinations, ensuring a seamless door-to-door journey.
At the airport, First class passengers will benefit from dedicated Check-In, personal escorting to the Etihad First Lounge, and fast-track boarding. Upon arrival, porter services and a personal escort to their chauffeur ensure a smooth and stress-free transition to their next destination.
In Abu Dhabi, further enhancements like complimentary Home Check-In and Land & Leave services will offer a baggage-free airport experience. At Zayed International Airport, First guests boarding remote stand flights will even be chauffeured directly to the aircraft door in a private limousine, enhancing the exclusivity of their travel experience.
"First isn't just a seat — it's an experience that starts the moment you choose to fly with us," Neves emphasized. "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."
Launch and Destinations
Etihad’s first A321LR enters service on 1 August 2025. Ten aircraft are expected to join the fleet this year alone. These advanced jets will connect Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport to 16 exciting destinations including:
- Algiers
- Athens
- Bangkok
- Chennai
- Chiang Mai
- Copenhagen
- Dusseldorf
- Kolkata
- Krabi
- Medan
- Milan
- Paris
- Phnom Penh
- Phuket
- Riyadh
- Zurich
With these new connections, Etihad is strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as a global aviation hub and key enabler of economic growth, while offering passengers world-class service at every altitude.
A New Era for Etihad Airways
The introduction of the Airbus A321LR is more than just a fleet update — it signals a bold new era for Etihad Airways. By marrying the elegance and comfort of its long-haul offerings with the efficiency of short-to-medium-haul operations, Etihad is setting a new benchmark in aviation luxury.
Whether flying First, Business, or Economy, guests aboard the A321LR can expect a seamless, premium experience that reflects Etihad’s commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction, and global connectivity.