UAE: Etihad gets new Airbus A321LR with first ever private first class suites on single-aisle plane | World News

Etihad’s new Airbus A321LR brings private First Class suites and widebody comfort to single-aisle planes, set to launch on 27 new routes from Abu Dhabi/ Image: Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways has taken delivery of its first Airbus A321LR, marking a significant step in the airline’s fleet modernization and expansion plans. The handover ceremony took place on July 24 at Airbus’s Finkenwerder facility in Hamburg, Germany.This is the first of 30 A321LR aircraft scheduled to join Etihad’s fleet, with nine additional units expected by the end of 2025. The new aircraft will play a key role in advancing the airline’s Journey 2030 strategy, which aims to serve 38 million passengers annually by the end of the decade.The A321LR will enable Etihad to extend its regional and medium-haul network while offering a widebody-style experience on a single-aisle aircraft.

A New Chapter in Fleet Modernization

Etihad’s introduction of the A321LR (Long Range) is more than just a fleet upgrade — it marks a strategic move to expand the airline’s reach into new medium-haul markets without compromising its premium service standards. The aircraft’s extended range and advanced cabin features align with Etihad’s ambition to deliver a consistent luxury experience across all routes.“Today marks an extraordinary moment for Etihad as we welcome an aircraft that changes everything we thought possible on a single-aisle plane,” said Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways. “The A321LR enables us to serve more destinations with the same premium experience our guests expect across all cabins, perfectly embodying our commitment to delivering luxury at every altitude.”Airbus also highlighted the significance of the delivery in the context of its ongoing partnership with the UAE. “The delivery of Etihad’s first Airbus A321LR is a powerful symbol of innovation and partnership, strengthening the long-standing relationship between Airbus and the UAE. This aircraft sets a new standard for comfort in the single-aisle category and paves the way for increased connectivity as Etihad expands its operations from its Abu Dhabi hub.” Said, Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Executive Vice President Sales of the Commercial Aircraft Business at Airbus

Redefining Single-Aisle Comfort

The A321LR brings widebody-level features into a narrowbody format, a bold move that Etihad believes will reshape regional and medium-haul flying. The aircraft features a three-cabin layout, including the airline’s first-ever narrowbody First Suites.

Etihad’s new First Class offering on the A321LR includes private suites with sliding doors and fully-flat beds, an innovation rarely seen on single-aisle aircraft. Each window-facing First Suite features:

The 14-seat Business Class cabin adopts a 1-1 herringbone layout, giving every passenger direct aisle access and a window view. Seats come with:

Etihad’s 144-seat Economy cabin aims to elevate the single-aisle travel experience. Each seat features:

In-flight entertainment will be comprehensive, with “over a thousand hours” of films, TV shows, and games available to all passengers. Overhead bins have been enlarged, offering significantly more luggage space than is typical for narrowbody aircraft.

Connected Above the Clouds

One of the standout features of the A321LR is its high-speed onboard Wi-Fi, provided by Viasat, which promises speeds in the hundreds of Mbps. This enables passengers to stream, game, and browse with minimal latency throughout the flight. The gate-to-gate connectivity (where permitted) ensures guests stay connected for the duration of their journey. Wi-Fi rollout is underway and will be fully available on Asian routes starting September 2025. Etihad emphasized that this level of connectivity represents a major leap forward: “This aircraft sets a new standard for comfort in the single-aisle category and paves the way for increased connectivity as Etihad expands its operations from its Abu Dhabi hub,” said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry.

Route Expansion and Future Plans

The A321LR will enter commercial service on August 1, 2025, with its inaugural flight scheduled between Abu Dhabi and Phuket. The aircraft will gradually be deployed across a growing list of regional and medium-haul destinations, including:• Algiers • Bangkok • Chiang Mai • Copenhagen • Düsseldorf • Kolkata • Krabi • Krakow • Medan • Milan • Paris • Phnom Penh • Tunis • Zurich This new fleet supports Etihad’s unprecedented expansion push, which saw the launch or announcement of 27 new routes in a single year. The airline aims to not only increase its geographical footprint but also redefine what passengers can expect on short and medium-haul flights.FAQs:Q. What is the Airbus A321LR?A long-range single-aisle aircraft designed for medium-haul routes with enhanced passenger comfort.Q. How many A321LR aircraft will Etihad add?Etihad plans to add 30 A321LRs to its fleet, with nine deliveries scheduled in 2025.Q. What distinguishes Etihad’s A321LR from others?It features the airline’s first private First Class suites on a narrowbody aircraft, offering widebody-level luxury.Q. When will the A321LR enter service? Commercial operations will begin on August 1, 2025, starting with flights from Abu Dhabi to Phuket.