Etihad Airways is setting a new benchmark for single-aisle flying with the introduction of its all-new Airbus A321LR, which provides wide-body comfort on short and medium-haul routes. The A321LR represents a significant advancement in guest experience and innovation, delivering Etihad’s signature luxury and a true First Class experience to narrowbody flying.
“The A321LR is an amazing aircraft which proves our commitment to luxury, customer experience, and connectivity,” said Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways. “With our new First Suites, 14 lie-flat Business seats with direct-aisle access, and upgraded Economy, we’ve taken the luxury experience we are known 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.”
Introducing the new First Suite
The A321LR introduces an all-new First Suite—an enclosed private space equipped with a sliding door, lie-flat bed, elevated dining, and bespoke design touches. With only two exclusive First Suites on board, guests will enjoy an intimate, ultra-premium experience typically reserved for long-haul widebodies. This marks the first time Etihad brings the full widebody First experience to a narrowbody aircraft, redefining luxury on short and medium-haul routes.
The innovative and spacious First Suite offers additional room for a companion to sit, as well as a large 20” 4K screen for entertainment, featuring Bluetooth pairing and wireless charging—ensuring comfort and connection at every touchpoint.
The new Business cabin boasts widebody-style seats, all forward-facing with direct aisle access (1-1) in a herringbone layout, featuring 14 fully-flat 78” beds. Each seat includes a 17.3” 4K screen, Bluetooth headphone pairing, wireless charging, and ample personal storage, ensuring a seamless, connected journey.
In Economy, 144 thoughtfully designed seats offer up to 5 inches of recline, enhanced ergonomics, and generous space. At 18.4 inches wide, these seats are among the widest in the industry, providing wide-body comfort to a narrow-body aircraft. Every guest enjoys a 13.3” 4K touchscreen, USB charging, and access to Etihad’s next-generation entertainment system.
Etihad’s aircraft are equipped with Viasat’s advanced, multi-orbit ready system, capable of speeds up to 1 Gbps, and available from gate-to-gate where permitted. All guests have access to streaming, social media, surfing, and gaming onboard, as well as live television throughout the cabin.
Read more: Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Airways boosts fleet with sixth A350 delivery
Expanding first class offerings
Etihad’s First Suite is just the beginning of a truly end-to-end premium journey. The airline is expanding its First Class offering across more routes—including the A321LR network—and is significantly investing in every detail of the travel experience with new services set to roll out starting in August with the introduction of the A321LR.
“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,” said Neves.
From the moment guests choose to book First, they will receive personalized service from the new Etihad Concierge, available 24/7 for tailored travel planning. In the UAE and all First destinations, guests will enjoy a private chauffeur service to and from the airport, ensuring a seamless experience from door to door. First Class guests will also be personally escorted through a dedicated check-in to the Etihad First Lounge and then for boarding. Upon arrival, guests will be accompanied from the aircraft door to their chauffeur, with porter services managing their luggage.
In Abu Dhabi, First guests will soon benefit from complimentary Home Check-In and Land & Leave services, providing a baggage-free airport experience. At Zayed International Airport, First guests will be chauffeured to the aircraft door in a private limousine if the flight does not board directly from the terminal.
“First isn’t just a seat—it’s an experience that starts the moment you choose to fly with us,” added Neves. “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.”
Expanding horizons
Moreover, Etihad’s first A321LR enters service on August 1, 2025, with ten aircraft joining the fleet this year. The aircraft will operate from Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport to destinations including Algiers, Athens, Bangkok, Chennai, Chiang Mai, Copenhagen, Düsseldorf, Kolkata, Krabi, Medan, Milan, Paris, Phnom Penh, Phuket, Riyadh, Tunis, and Zurich.
With the A321LR at the core of its fleet expansion, Etihad is reinforcing its role as a key enabler of tourism and economic development in Abu Dhabi while delivering world-class service at every altitude.
In a separate development, Etihad Airways is considering an initial public offering, but a decision regarding a listing remains a matter for shareholders, as stated by CEO Antonoaldo Neves in an interview with Reuters on Monday.
