Airbus A321LR propels Etihad Airways to new heights in single-aisle aircraft travel.
Etihad Airways Unveils its First Airbus A321LR, Bringing Premium Comfort to Short-Haul Flights
Etihad Airways has taken delivery of its first Airbus A321LR, marking a significant milestone in the airline's quest to enhance passenger experience and operational efficiency. This aircraft, configured with a three-cabin layout, is the first of its kind in the region to offer First, Business, and Economy Class cabins.
The A321LR, with a total of 160 seats, features 2 private First Suites, 14 Business Class seats, and 144 Economy seats. The First Suites, a first for Etihad, offer enclosed private spaces with sliding doors and fully flat beds, while Business Class seats provide 1-1 herringbone lie-flat seats with direct aisle access and window views. Economy Class seats offer generous personal space and enhanced comfort, complete with USB charging and 13.3-inch 4K touchscreens for entertainment.
The A321LR boasts a range sufficient for flights from Abu Dhabi to destinations such as Phuket, Bangkok, Milan, Paris, and Zurich, supporting medium- to long-range single-aisle operations. The aircraft, leased from AerCap, will serve new premium destinations across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East from Abu Dhabi.
In line with the airline's commitment to sustainability, the A321LR is part of the Airbus A320neo family, which incorporates the latest fuel-efficient engines and aerodynamic improvements, contributing to lower emissions relative to older aircraft generations. While specific Etihad sustainability initiatives for the A321LR were not detailed, the choice of this fuel-efficient model aligns with broader industry goals to reduce environmental impact.
The A321LR, powered by the latest-generation engines and advanced aerodynamics, has a range of up to 4,000 nautical miles (6,300 km). Airbus aims to enable 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) capability for the A320neo Family by 2030, further enhancing the aircraft's environmental credentials.
As of the end of June 2025, the A320neo Family had secured 11,176 aircraft orders from 145 customers worldwide. Twenty A321LRs are scheduled to join Etihad's fleet, as the airline continues to invest in modern, fuel-efficient aircraft to deliver premium comfort on narrowbody routes.
With the A321LR, Etihad Airways redefines comfort in short- and medium-haul travel, offering a premium experience that rivals widebody aircraft. The aircraft's innovative features, combined with its focus on passenger experience, innovation, and operational efficiency, position Etihad at the forefront of the industry's drive towards a more sustainable and comfortable future for air travel.
[1] Etihad Airways takes delivery of its first Airbus A321LR [2] Etihad Airways' A321LR: First Look [3] Etihad Airways' A321LR: Revolutionizing Short-Haul Travel [4] Etihad Airways' A321LR: A Step Forward in Sustainability [5] Etihad Airways' A321LR: A Game-Changer for the Airline
[1] Etihad Airways' investment in the new Airbus A321LR demonstrates its continued focus on the finance and technology sectors within the aerospace industry.
[2] The integration of the latest-generation engines and advanced aerodynamics in the A321LR positions Etihad Airways at the forefront of finance-driven advancements in the aviation industry.
