Etihad Airways has taken delivery of its first Airbus A321LR (long range) aircraft following a ceremony at the Airbus Finkenwerder site, marking a pivotal milestone in the airline’s fleet expansion strategy. The aircraft brings a widebody experience to short and medium-haul routes with premium cabins typically found only on long-haul flights. This is the first of 30 Airbus A321LRs scheduled to join Etihad’s fleet.

Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, expressed:

“Today marks an extraordinary moment for Etihad as we welcome an aircraft that changes everything we thought possible on a single-aisle plane. The A321LR enables us to serve more destinations with the same premium experience our guests expect across all cabins, perfectly embodying our commitment to delivering luxury at every altitude.”

Redefining Narrowbody Travel

The A321LR features a three-cabin configuration, including Etihad’s first-ever narrowbody First Suites, which offer private enclosed spaces, fully-flat beds, and features reserved for long-haul operations. The Business cabin has widebody-style seats in a herringbone layout, ensuring direct aisle access for every passenger.

In Economy, 144 well-designed seats bring generous comfort and a premium travel experience, with touchscreen displays and enhanced storage.

Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus’s Executive Vice President Sales, commented:

“The delivery of Etihad’s first Airbus A321LR is a powerful symbol of innovation and partnership, strengthening the long-standing relationship between Airbus and the UAE. This aircraft sets a new standard for comfort in the single-aisle category and supports increased connectivity from Etihad’s Abu Dhabi hub.”

Staying Connected Above the Clouds

A notable feature of Etihad’s A321LR is its high-speed Wi-Fi powered by Viasat, delivering up to 100 Mbps. This service allows for seamless streaming and browsing during flights.

Expanding Horizons

The A321LR supports Etihad’s ambitious expansion plans, with 27 new routes launched or announced in the last year alone. It will start commercial operations on August 1, 2025, and will fly to multiple destinations globally.

The aircraft delivery aligns with Etihad’s Journey 2030 vision, which aims to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s role as a premier global aviation hub.