Etihad Airways’ CEO, Antonoaldo Neves, praised the A321LR, emphasizing the airline’s dedication to luxury, customer experience, and connectivity.
With the introduction of their First Suites, 14 lie-flat Business seats featuring direct-aisle access, and enhanced Economy seating, Etihad has successfully adapted its renowned luxury service from widebody aircraft to single-aisle models. Passengers will enjoy uninterrupted connectivity through high-speed, streaming Wi-Fi.
The A321LR also represents a pivotal moment for Etihad as it moves towards its Journey 2030 vision, which aims to double the fleet size, triple the passenger count, and open 16 new destinations in 2025 alone.
Each cabin on the A321LR is designed to provide an extraordinary travel experience. The First Suite offers a private space with a sliding door, lie-flat bed, and bespoke dining, offering an exclusive experience that rivals that of long-haul widebody services. With only two First Suites available, this new offering allows for a highly intimate and luxurious travel experience.
In Business, passengers will find widebody-style seats in a herringbone configuration, with direct aisle access and fully-flat 78” beds. Each seat features a 17.3” 4K screen, Bluetooth headphone pairing, and ample personal storage, ensuring a connected journey.
Economy class offers 144 ergonomically designed seats that provide up to a 5” recline and considerable space, making them among the widest in the industry at 18.4” wide. Every seat is equipped with a 13.3” 4K touchscreen and USB charging, allowing access to the advanced entertainment system.
Etihad’s aircraft are powered by Viasat’s state-of-the-art multi-orbit system, providing speeds of up to 1 Gbps, enabling guests to enjoy streaming services, social media, and live television throughout the journey.
Beyond the cabin experience, Etihad is enhancing its First class service across new routes and investing significantly in improving every aspect of the journey, with new premium services rolling out from August alongside the A321LR.
Neves stated that from the moment a guest books a First class ticket, they will receive personalized support from the new Etihad Concierge, available 24/7 for tailored travel planning.
First class travelers in the UAE and other destinations will benefit from private chauffeur service to and from the airport, seamless check-in processes, and exclusive access to the Etihad First Lounge. Upon arrival, guests are escorted from the aircraft to their chauffeur, with luggage handled by porters.
In Abu Dhabi, First class passengers will soon enjoy complimentary Home Check-In and Land & Leave services for a hassle-free airport experience. If not boarding directly from the terminal, they will also be driven to the aircraft in a private limousine.
“First class is more than just a seat; it’s an experience that begins the moment you choose to fly with us,” added Neves. “We’re expanding First class services to more destinations and enhancing them at each touchpoint, fusing the luxury of champagne and caviar with modern conveniences.”
The first of Etihad’s A321LR aircraft will enter service on August 1, 2025, with ten more joining the fleet this year. The aircraft will service routes from Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport to various destinations, including Algiers, Athens, Bangkok, Chennai, Chiang Mai, Copenhagen, Dusseldorf, Kolkata, Krabi, Medan, Milan, Paris, Phnom Penh, Phuket, Riyadh, Tunis, and Zurich.
With the A321LR central to its fleet expansion, Etihad is reinforcing its role as a vital contributor to tourism and economic growth in Abu Dhabi, while providing world-class service at every level.
Location: Arabian Travel Market
Photos: Alexi Van Damme (CEO AX Group)
