Etihad Airways is raising the bar for short and medium haul flights with its new Airbus A321LR; blending wide body luxury with narrow body efficiency.
This aircraft brings Etihad’s renowned premium experience to single aisle flying, offering First class suites, upgraded Business seats, and a spacious Economy cabin.
It’s a bold step toward the airline’s Journey 2030 vision: doubling its fleet, tripling passenger numbers, and launching 16 new destinations in 2025.
A321LR “Dedication to Luxury”
“The A321LR showcases our dedication to luxury, comfort, and connectivity,” said Antonoaldo Neves, Etihad Airways CEO.
“We’ve brought the wide body experience to a single aisle aircraft, complete with First Suites, lie-flat Business seats, and an enhanced Economy cabin. Guests stay connected with ultra fast Wi-Fi throughout their journey.”
The A321LR narrow body is a key cornerstone of Etihad’s present growth. Starting August 1, 2025, ten A321LRs will join the carrier’s fleet.
They will serve routes from Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport to cities like Athens, Bangkok, Copenhagen, Milan, Paris, Riyadh, and Zurich.
First Suites: Exclusive Comfort
Etihad introduces its First Suite on the A321LR, a first for narrow body aircraft. With just two suites onboard, guests enjoy privacy with sliding doors, lie-flat beds, and elevated dining. Each suite features a 20-inch 4K screen, Bluetooth pairing, wireless charging, and space for a companion to join.
This intimate, ultra premium setup mirrors Etihad’s long haul First class, redefining luxury for shorter routes.
Business Class: Wide-Body Style
The Business cabin offers 14 lie-flat seats, each 78 inches long, arranged in a 1-1 herringbone layout for direct aisle access. Every seat includes a 17.3-inch 4K screen, Bluetooth headphone pairing, wireless charging, and ample storage.
The spacious design ensures comfort and productivity, making every flight feel like a wide body experience.
Economy: Space and Comfort
Economy passengers enjoy 144 ergonomically designed seats with up to 5 inches of recline and 18.4-inch width—one of the widest in the industry.
Each seat has a 13.3-inch 4K touchscreen, USB charging, and access to Etihad’s advanced entertainment system. The cabin delivers wide-body comfort in a single-aisle aircraft, ensuring a pleasant journey for all.
Stay Connected with Fast Wi-Fi
Etihad Airways A321LR features Viasat’s cutting-edge Wi-Fi, offering speeds up to 1 Gbps. Available gate-to-gate where permitted, it supports streaming, social media, gaming, and live TV. Every passenger, from First to Economy, can stay connected effortlessly.
Premium Services
Starting in August 2025, First guests will enjoy new premium services. A 24/7 Etihad Concierge will assist with personalized travel planning.
In the UAE and First class destinations, private chauffeur services will provide door-to-door convenience. Dedicated check-in, lounge access, and personal escorts through the airport ensure a smooth journey.
In Abu Dhabi, First guests will soon benefit from complimentary Home Check-In and Land & Leave services, eliminating baggage hassles. At Zayed International Airport, those on flights not boarding from the terminal will be chauffeured to the aircraft in a private limousine.
“First class is more than a seat—it’s a complete experience,” Neves said. “We’re expanding First to more routes and enhancing every detail, blending modern convenience with timeless elegance.”
Conclusion
The A321LR supports Etihad’s mission to boost tourism and economic growth in Abu Dhabi. By connecting travelers to destinations like Algiers, Chennai, Phuket, and Tunis, the airline strengthens its global network. The aircraft’s efficiency and premium offerings make it ideal for Etihad’s ambitious expansion plans.
Etihad Airways A321LR sets a new benchmark for single aisle travel, combining luxury, innovation, and connectivity.
With its First Suites, upgraded Business and Economy cabins, and advanced Wi-Fi, the aircraft delivers a world class experience on every route.
As Etihad accelerates toward its 2030 goals, the A321LR reinforces its commitment to exceptional service and global reach.
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