- The world has previewed the first class and business class suites debuting in Etihad Airways‘ new Airbus A321LR jets.
- “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,” said CEO Antonoaldo Neves.
- The carrier’s A321LRs and, in turn, new first and business class suites are scheduled to roll out from this August to February 2025.
Etihad Airways has unveiled next-gen first class and business class suites for its forthcoming Airbus A321LR jets, which officially take to the skies from August 1st, 2025.
Beyond the prospect of a revised product, the development is somewhat groundbreaking: it effectively translates the luxe experience of travelling up the pointy end in Etihad’s widebody fleet to the decidedly cosier single-aisle aircrafts.
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Just two of the 16 premium, window-facing, flatbed seats (based on the Opera platform from Airbus’ Stelia Aerospace) in each Etihad A321LR will be reserved for these new first class suites. Complete with a sliding door for the expected level of privacy, and a 1-1 configuration for direct aisle access.
Full reclined, these seats measure 78.65 inches by 21.5 inches; while the suites as a whole notably feature a 20-inch 4K screen, Bluetooth pairing, wireless charging, plus extra space to invite a guest in to sit down, chill out, and maybe even have a drink.
Note that the sliding door and extra space for a pal are the only physical differences between first and business on Etihad’s A321LR flights.
Other refined touches include loungewear from Giorgio Armani, turn-down service, elevated dining (a la carte, any time, and A380 calibre), as well as the Etihad Concierge – a logistical service dedicated to helping you plan your trip 24/7, and provide a private chauffeur to and from airports.
A first-class fare also comes with a dedicated check-in and a personal escort who guides you to the Etihad First Lounge and eventually boarding.
“First isn’t just a seat – it’s an experience that starts the moment you choose to fly with us,” CEO Antonoaldo Neves said via statement.
“We’re bringing First to more destinations and elevating it at every touchpoint, combining the elegance of Champagne and caviar with the convenience of modern luxury.”
“If you come on board our A321LR, you’re going to have the same first class amenities, Armani Casa in-flight dining, and all the bespoke service that people expect.”
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Here are the short and medium-haul routes you’ll be able to experience an Etihad Airways Airbus A321LR to begin with from Abu Dhabi:
- Phuket (commencing August 1st)
- Copenhagen (commencing October 1st)
- Düsseldorf (commencing October 1st)
- Kolkata (commencing October 1st)
- Riyadh (commencing October 1st)
- Chennai (commencing October 2nd)
- Medan (commencing October 2nd)
- Phnom Penh (commencing October 3rd)
- Krabi (commencing October 9th)
- Milan Malpensa (commencing November 1st)
- Tunis (commencing November 1st)
- Zurich (commencing November 1st)
- Chiang Mai (commencing November 3rd)
- Algiers (commencing November 7th)
- Athens (commencing January 1st, 2026)
- Bangkok (commencing February 1st, 2026)
- Paris CDG (commencing February 1st, 2026)
