Etihad Airways launches first A321LR flight from Abu Dhabi to Phuket, redefining luxury in narrowbody travel

Abu Dhabi: Etihad Airways has officially launched the first commercial flight of its new Airbus A321LR, marking a significant step in elevating luxury travel on narrowbody aircraft.

Flight EY414 departed from Zayed International Airport to Phuket on Friday, showcasing the airline’s next-generation single-aisle jet.

The A321LR is designed to offer Etihad’s premium cabin standards on short and medium-haul routes, delivering the same refined service and attention to detail found on its award-winning widebody fleet.

This inaugural flight introduced passengers to an upgraded travel experience, featuring enhanced comfort, stylish cabin interiors, and high-speed Wi-Fi across all seating classes.

Etihad recently took delivery of the first of 30 A321LR aircraft set to join its expanding fleet. Each jet is configured to provide a seamless blend of luxury, functionality, and connectivity.

Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer at Etihad Airways, said: “The A321LR symbolises our ambition to deliver extraordinary experiences on every route we serve. It brings our widebody sophistication to even more destinations and travellers.”

Etihad’s A321LR introduces a new benchmark for narrowbody travel, with a premium cabin layout that transforms expectations across all classes:

All cabins are equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi, suitable for video conferencing, movie streaming, and online gaming, being progressively introduced across Etihad’s Asian routes. Enhanced overhead storage bins have also been added to improve comfort and convenience throughout the journey.

With the introduction of the A321LR, Etihad continues to raise the bar in air travel, blending innovative design with its commitment to exceptional service.