Etihad Airways is raising the bar for luxury travel with the launch of its all-new Airbus A321LR, bringing a full first-class experience to a narrowbody jet for the first time. With this next-generation aircraft, Etihad is offering guests wide-body comfort on shorter and medium-haul routes—something rarely seen in single-aisle travel.
The A321LR is designed to deliver an upscale flying experience with innovative seating, next-gen entertainment, and top-tier amenities throughout all classes. But it’s the introduction of Etihad’s First Suites on a narrowbody jet that is capturing global attention.
Each First Suite is a private, enclosed space with a sliding door and a lie-flat bed, offering the same privacy and comfort usually found only on long-haul widebody aircraft. With just two suites on board, passengers can expect an exclusive and quiet cabin environment. The suites include a large 20-inch 4K screen, wireless charging, Bluetooth pairing, and even a seat for a companion to dine or relax side by side.
For those flying in Business Class, Etihad has created a fully flat-bed layout with 14 seats in a spacious 1-1 herringbone arrangement. Each business seat also comes with premium features like a 17.3-inch screen, personal storage, and charging options. Direct aisle access ensures ease and comfort for every traveler.
The Economy Class cabin hasn’t been left behind either. Etihad’s A321LR offers 144 seats with extra-wide designs, up to 5 inches of recline, and entertainment on 13.3-inch 4K touchscreens. At 18.4 inches wide, these are some of the roomiest economy seats available on any narrowbody aircraft.
High-speed Wi-Fi is available across all cabins, powered by Viasat technology that delivers speeds of up to 1 Gbps, allowing guests to stream movies, browse, and even game from gate to gate. Live TV is also available for all passengers.
Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves says the A321LR is a game-changer for the airline’s growth and guest experience. “We’ve taken the luxury experience we are known for on our widebody fleet and adapted it for this advanced single-aisle aircraft,” said Neves. “This marks a transformational moment for Etihad as we move forward with our Journey 2030 vision.”
The new aircraft will join the Etihad fleet beginning August 1, 2025, with ten A321LRs set to be in service by the end of the year. These jets will fly from Abu Dhabi to destinations such as Bangkok, Paris, Zurich, Riyadh, and Phuket, among many others.
First-class passengers will enjoy a seamless journey from booking to arrival. Services include a 24/7 Etihad Concierge, private chauffeur transfers, dedicated check-in, lounge access, and even door-to-aircraft limousine rides at Zayed International Airport. In Abu Dhabi, new services like Home Check-In and Land & Leave will make the travel experience even smoother.
With the A321LR, Etihad is not only expanding its network but also redefining what passengers can expect from short and medium-haul flights. The future of flying narrowbody has never looked more luxurious.
