Etihad Airways' first A321LR lands in Abu Dhabi ahead of August launch

Abu Dhabi: Etihad Airways’ first Airbus A321LR touched down at Abu Dhabi International Airport on Friday at 7:00pm, marking a significant milestone for the airline’s fleet expansion. Flight EY3210 received a warm reception, with Etihad employees and key stakeholders gathering on the tarmac to celebrate the aircraft’s arrival.

This marks a new chapter in single-aisle travel for the national airline of the UAE.

The A321LR introduces a new level of luxury for short and medium-haul flights, featuring the world’s first narrowbody First Class Suites with sliding doors and lie-flat beds. The aircraft also boasts a premium Business Class cabin in a 1-1 herringbone layout — offering widebody-style comfort in a single-aisle format.

Ground operations teams, cabin crew, and maintenance staff were among the first to tour the aircraft, experiencing its spacious interiors, high-speed Wi-Fi, and elevated onboard amenities.

The A321LR will enter commercial service on 1 August 2025, initially operating between Abu Dhabi and Phuket. The route network will later expand to include Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Copenhagen, Milan, Paris, and Zurich.

This addition supports Etihad’s rapid growth trajectory, which has seen 27 new routes launched or announced in 2025 alone. The airline is set to receive nine more A321LRs throughout the year, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a global aviation hub.

The aircraft forms part of Etihad’s ‘Journey 2030’ strategy, which aims to serve 38 million passengers annually by the end of the decade.