Etihad Airways Redefines Short and Medium-Range Travel with Its New A321LR
Etihad Airways is setting a new standard for single-aisle aircraft with the introduction of its new Airbus A321LR, bringing the comfort of long-haul flights to short and medium-range routes. This addition marks a turning point in the narrow-body flight experience, combining luxury, technology, and connectivity.
“The A321LR demonstrates our commitment to luxury, customer experience, and connectivity,” said Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways. “We’ve adapted the luxury experience from our wide-body fleet to the A321LR, keeping passengers connected with high-speed Wi-Fi at all times.”
This move is also part of the airline’s “Journey 2030” strategy, which aims to double the size of its fleet, triple passenger numbers, and open 16 new destinations by 2025.
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An Extraordinary Experience in Every Cabin
First Suite: Unprecedented Luxury on a Narrow-Body Aircraft
The A321LR introduces Etihad’s new First Suite: a private space with sliding doors, a fully flat bed, elevated dining service, and bespoke design. Only two suites are available per aircraft, offering a unique ultra-premium experience on short and medium-haul flights.
Each suite includes a companion seat, a 20-inch 4K screen, Bluetooth pairing, and wireless charging, ensuring comfort and connectivity in every detail.
Business Class: Long-Haul Comfort in a Compact Format
The Business cabin features herringbone-style seats, all forward-facing with direct aisle access (1-1 configuration). The 14 seats convert into 78-inch flat beds and include 17.3-inch 4K screens, Bluetooth pairing, wireless charging, and ample personal storage space.
Economy Class: Redesigned Comfort
The airline has also elevated its Economy offering. The 144 seats boast up to 5 inches of recline, improved ergonomics, and an 18.4-inch width—one of the widest in the industry for single-aisle aircraft. Each seat is equipped with a 13.3-inch 4K touchscreen, USB chargers, and access to its next-generation entertainment system.
Cutting-Edge Connectivity Onboard
The aircraft is equipped with Viasat’s advanced system, ready for multi-orbit capabilities and speeds of up to 1 Gbps. Passengers can enjoy streaming, social media, browsing, and gaming throughout the flight, along with live TV.
Luxury Beyond the Cabin
The First experience isn’t limited to the aircraft. From the moment of booking, First Class customers will have access to Etihad’s 24/7 Concierge service for personalized travel planning.
In the UAE and select destinations, First passengers will enjoy private chauffeur service, dedicated check-in, access to the Etihad First Lounge, and priority boarding. Upon landing, they will be escorted directly to private transportation, with porter service included.
In Abu Dhabi, customers will also benefit from complimentary Home Check-In and Land & Leave services, bypassing airport baggage procedures. Additionally, at Zayed International Airport, they will be transported by private limousine to the aircraft if boarding doesn’t take place directly from the terminal.
“First isn’t just a seat—it’s an experience that begins the moment they choose to fly with us,” Neves concluded.
Strategic Expansion with the A321LR
Etihad’s first A321LR will enter service on August 1, 2025. Ten units will join the fleet this year, connecting Abu Dhabi with destinations such as Algiers, Athens, Bangkok, Chennai, Chiang Mai, Copenhagen, Düsseldorf, Kolkata, Krabi, Medan, Milan, Paris, Phnom Penh, Phuket, Riyadh, Tunis, and Zurich.
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