UAE: Etihad gets a new Airbus A321LR, with a single-Issal plane with the first private first class suites. world News

Etihad Airways has delivered its first Airbus A321LR, marking an important step in modernization and expansion plans of the airline fleet. The handover ceremony took place on 24 July at the Finnavidar facility of Airbus in Hamburg, Germany.It is the first of the 30 A321LR aircraft prescribed to join the fleet of Etihad, with nine additional units expected by the end of 2025. The new aircraft airline’s journey will play an important role in advancing the 2030 strategy, which aims to serve 38 million passengers annually by the end of the decade.The A321LR will enable Etihad to expand its regional and medium-hall networks by offering a widebody-style experience on a single-Issal aircraft.

A new chapter in modernization of fleet

The introduction of Etihad of A321LR (long distance) is more than only one fleet upgrade-it marks a strategic step to expand the airline access to new medium-hall markets without compromising its premium service standards. The expanded range of the aircraft and all the routes in the advanced cabin have been aligned with the ambition of Etihad to provide frequent luxury experiences in all routes.Etihad Airways Chief Executive Officer Antonoldo Neo said, “Today is an extraordinary moment for Etihad because we welcome an aircraft that changes everything we thought on a single-oil plane.” “A321LR enables us to serve more destinations with the same premium experience, our guests expect in all cabins, fully avoid our commitment to provide luxury at every height.”Airbus also highlighted the importance of delivery in terms of the ongoing partnership with the UAE. “Etihad’s first Airbus is a powerful symbol of A321LR delivery, innovation and partnership, which strengthens long-running ties between Airbus and UAE. This aircraft sets a new standard for comfort in the single-Issel category and is the path to increase connectivity as Etihad expands its operations with its Abu Dhabi Hab.” Said, Benoite D. Saint-Exupree, Executive Vice President of Commercial Aircraft Business in Airbus

Redefine solo-cardamom

A321LR brings widebody-level features in a narrow format, a bold trick that Etihad believes that regional and medium-hall will re-shape the flight. The aircraft consists of three-cabin layouts, including the first suites of the airline.

The new first class offering of Etihad on A321LR includes sliding doors and completely flat beds, with an innovation probably seen on a single-Issal aircraft. Each window-dressing first suit features:

The 14-seight business class cabin adopted 1–1 herringbone layout, giving every passenger direct corridor and a window view. Comes with seats:

Etihad’s 144-seat economy Cabin aims to enhance single-Isal travel experience. Characteristics of each seat:

In-Flight Entertainment will be widespread, which will have “more than a thousand hours” of films, TV shows and sports available for all passengers. The overhead compartment has been extended, much more items have been offered for narrow aircraft than specific accessories.

Connected above the clouds

One of the standout features of the A321LR is its high-speed onboard Wi-Fi, provided by Viat, promising speed in hundreds of MBPs. It enables passengers to stream, game and browse with minimal delay in flying. Gate-to-Gate connectivity (where permission) ensures that guests stay connected for their travel duration. The Wi-Fi rollout is going on and will be fully available on the Asian routes starting from September 2025. Etihad insisted that this level of connectivity represents a major jump: “This aircraft sets a new standard for comfort in the single-Issle category and paves the way to increase connectivity as Etihad expands its operations with its Abu Dhabi hub,” said “Benoit de Saint-Axupree.

Route expansion and future plans

The A321LR will enter commercial service on August 1, 2025, with its inaugural flight between Abu Dhabi and Fuket. The aircraft will gradually be deployed in the growing list of regional and medium-hall sites, including:• Algirs • Bangkok • Chiang Mai • Copenhagen • Daseldorf • Kolkata • Krabi • Craco • Madan • Matching • Paris • Nom Penh • Tunis • Zurich This new fleet supports the unprecedented expansion push of Etihad, which saw or announced the launch or declaration of 27 new routes in a single year. The airline aims to not only increase its geographical footprint, but also re-define what passengers can expect on small and medium-hall flights.FAQS:Q. What is Airbus A321LR?A long distance single-oil aircraft designed for medium-hall routes with increased passenger comfort.Q. How many A321LR aircraft will add Etihad?Etihad has planned to add 30 A321LRS to its fleet, with nine delivery in 2025.Q. Does Atihad’s A321LR separate from others?It features the first private first class suites of the airline on a narrow aircraft, offering widebody-level luxury.Q. When will A321LR enter the service? Commercial operations will start from August 1, 2025, which will begin with flights from Abu Dhabi to Fuket.