Etihad Airways takes delivery of game-changing Airbus A321LR aircraft to expand global network

Abu Dhabi: Etihad Airways has officially taken delivery of its first Airbus A321LR (Long Range), marking a significant milestone in the airline’s strategic fleet expansion.

The delivery ceremony took place at the Airbus facility in Finkenwerder, Germany, where the aircraft was handed over, setting a new benchmark in narrowbody aviation.

This is the first of 30 A321LR aircraft that will gradually join Etihad’s fleet, combining widebody luxury with the efficiency of a single-aisle aircraft — perfectly suited for short- and medium-haul routes.

Etihad’s A321LR introduces a three-cabin configuration, including its first-ever First Class Suites on a narrowbody aircraft. Each suite features a sliding door for privacy, a fully-flat bed, and elegant finishes typically reserved for long-haul aircraft.

Passengers in the First Suite will enjoy a 20-inch 4K screen, Bluetooth pairing, wireless charging, and additional seating space for a guest.

The 14-seat Business Class cabin features a widebody-style 1-1 herringbone layout, offering every passenger direct aisle access and panoramic window views. Each seat includes a 17.3-inch 4K screen and the latest wireless tech.

In Economy, 144 seats offer enhanced comfort with 13.3-inch 4K touchscreens, USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, and expanded overhead storage.

Etihad is also bringing back premium inflight entertainment to narrowbody travel with thousands of hours of content.

A major highlight of the A321LR is its high-speed Wi-Fi powered by Viasat, offering internet speeds up to hundreds of Mbps. Passengers can stream, browse and work throughout their journey.

The service will roll out progressively across Asian routes and be fully available by September 2025.

The aircraft will enter commercial service on August 1 2025, initially flying between Abu Dhabi and Phuket. It will later serve key cities such as Algiers, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Copenhagen, Düsseldorf, Kolkata, Krabi, Krakow, Medan, Milan, Paris, Phnom Penh, Phuket, Tunis and Zurich.

Airbus Executive Vice President Benoît de Saint-Exupéry praised the delivery as a “powerful symbol of innovation and partnership” that strengthens the UAE's position in global aviation.

The A321LR aligns with Etihad’s Journey 2030 vision, which includes carrying 38 million passengers annually by the end of the decade. With nine more A321LRs set to arrive in 2025, Etihad continues its rapid route expansion, having announced 27 new destinations within a single year.