Airbus A321LR handed over to Etihad Airways, signifying the carrier's expansion efforts
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has taken a significant step in its growth strategy with the introduction of the Airbus A321LR aircraft. This single-aisle aircraft boasts widebody luxury features, setting a new standard for comfort in the single-aisle category.
The airline received its first A321LR aircraft on Thursday, marking the beginning of a phased delivery of 30 aircraft over the coming years. This delivery, which occurred at the Airbus facility in Hamburg, Germany, is a powerful symbol of innovation and partnership, strengthening the long-standing relationship between Airbus and the UAE.
Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, executive vice president sales of the Commercial Aircraft Business, Airbus, expressed his excitement, stating that the new 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.
The A321LR aircraft features a three-cabin configuration, offering first-ever narrowbody 'first suites' with private, enclosed spaces and fully-flat beds, business class seats in a 1-1 herringbone layout, and 144 seats in economy class, each featuring a 13.3-inch 4K touchscreen display, USB charging, and bluetooth connectivity.
In the business cabin, each seat includes a 17.3-inch 4K screen, bluetooth headphone pairing, and wireless charging. Window-facing first suites feature a large 20-inch 4K screen, bluetooth pairing, wireless charging, and additional space for a companion to sit.
The new aircraft will enter commercial service on August 1, 2025, initially flying Abu Dhabi to Phuket, and later serving destinations including Algiers, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Copenhagen, Düsseldorf, Kolkata, Krabi, Krakow, Medan, Milan, Paris, Phnom Penh, Phuket, Tunis, and Zurich.
One of the standout features of the A321LR aircraft is its full Wi-Fi coverage, delivering speeds of up to 1GB per second. This means passengers can stay connected throughout their journey, with uninterrupted internet access on Asian routes available from September 2025.
Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, expressed his confidence in the new aircraft, stating that it will "shape the growth of the airlines and is going to be the backbone of its growth". The delivery of nine A321LR aircraft is scheduled throughout 2025, supporting Etihad's ambitious expansion plans.
Etihad Airways aims to carry 38 million passengers annually by 2030, and the A321LR aircraft will play a crucial role in achieving this goal. By offering enhanced passenger comfort with its widebody-style luxury in a narrowbody aircraft, the airline is set to transform its network, expanding reach and capacity on medium-haul routes efficiently. This approach supports Etihad’s Journey 2030 vision and reinforces Abu Dhabi as a premier aviation hub.
[1] Etihad Airways Press Release
[2] Airbus Press Release
[3] FlightGlobal
[4] Simple Flying
- The introduction of the Airbus A321LR aircraft by Etihad Airways marks a significant step towards the airline's growth strategy, setting a new standard for comfort in the single-aisle category and boosting connectivity as it expands from its Abu Dhabi hub.
- The A321LR aircraft's delivery, scheduled throughout 2025, represents an innovative partnership and a powerful symbol of collaboration between Airbus and the UAE, strengthening the long-standing relationship between the two.
- With the new aircraft's arrival, Etihad Airways will offer enhanced passenger comfort, featuring first-ever narrowbody 'first suites' and a high-tech entertainment system, making it a remarkable addition to the travel industry.
- In sports and lifestyle news, Etihad Airways' ambitious expansion plans, supported by the A321LR aircraft, aim to carry 38 million passengers annually by 2030 and further solidify Abu Dhabi's position as a premier aviation hub.
- Food enthusiasts and gamers can look forward to staying connected during their travels, as the A321LR aircraft offers full Wi-Fi coverage delivering speeds of up to 1GB per second, with uninterrupted internet access on Asian routes available from September 2025.
