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Etihad Airways to launch new Airbus A321LR starting August 1
The aircraft will fly from Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport to destinations including Paris, Athens, Bangkok, Riyadh, among others
- PUBLISHED: Mon 28 Apr 2025, 2:54 PM
Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways on Monday announced the launch of the new Airbus A321LR as it expands its fleet and network after record profits last year.
The first A321LR will enter service on August 1, 2025, with 10 aircraft joining the fleet this year.
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The aircraft will fly from Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport to destinations including Algiers, Athens, Bangkok, Chennai, Chiang Mai, Copenhagen, Dusseldorf, Kolkata, Krabi, Medan, Milan, Paris, Phnom Penh, Phuket, Riyadh, Tunis, and Zurich.
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Over the next few years, Etihad plans to receive 10 new aircraft annually in 2025, 2026, and 2027, enhancing its global reach.
Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, said the airline is “adding a lot of new aircraft.”
“In 2025, we will add between 20 to 22 new planes. We're going to be gaining about 20 planes every year for the next 4-5 years so that we get to 170 planes and 33 million passengers,” he added.
Neves noted that the Airbus A321LR represents a pivotal moment in Etihad’s transformation, aligning with the airline’s 2030 vision to double its fleet size, triple its passenger count, and introduce 16 new destinations by 2025.
To enhance the passenger experience, the airline has incorporated a range of luxurious features in the new aircraft. “With our new First Suites, 14 lie-flat Business seats with direct-aisle access, and upgraded Economy, we've taken the luxury experience which we are famed for on our widebody fleet and adapted it to offer guests the same experience in a single-aisle aircraft — all while keeping them seamlessly connected with superfast, streaming Wi-Fi throughout the journey,” he said.
Etihad also introduced an all-new First Suite which includes a private, enclosed space with a sliding door, lie-flat bed, elevated dining, and bespoke design touches.
With only two exclusive First suites on board, passenger ultra-premium experience is normally reserved for long-haul widebodies. This marks the first time Etihad brings the full widebody First experience to a narrow-body aircraft, redefining luxury on short and medium-haul routes.
The new Business cabin features widebody-style seats, all forward-facing, with direct aisle access. Each seat includes a 17.3-inch 4K screen, Bluetooth headphone pairing, wireless charging, and ample personal storage, ensuring a seamless, connected journey.
In Economy, 144 seats offer up to five-inch recline, enhanced ergonomics, and generous space. Every passenger will have a 13.3-inch 4K touchscreen, USB charging, and access to the entertainment system.
The first-class passengers will be offered a private chauffeur service to and from the airport, providing a seamless experience from door to door. They will also be personally escorted through a dedicated check-in to the Etihad First Lounge and then for boarding. On arrival, guests will be accompanied from the aircraft door to their chauffeur, with porter services taking care of the luggage.
In Abu Dhabi, First Class guests will soon benefit from complimentary Home Check-In and Land & Leave services, offering a baggage-free airport experience. At Zayed International Airport, First guests will be chauffeured to the aircraft door in a private limousine if the flight does not board directly from the terminal.
“First isn’t just a seat — it’s an experience that starts the moment you choose to fly with us,” added Neves.
