Etihad to Offer Luxurious Amenities on Smaller Airbus A321LR Aircraft

Etihad Airways is introducing luxury amenities into its Airbus A321 long-range aircraft, including sliding privacy doors, lie-flat seats, and large screens. The airline's first-class offering will occupy the first row of the plane, with passengers also enjoying a "land and leave" service and limousine transportation to the aircraft. Etihad will deploy the A321LR to destinations including Paris, Phuket, Riyadh, and Zurich.

Etihad Airways has announced a significant upgrade to its Airbus A321LR fleet, introducing luxurious amenities and first-class services. The airline is set to launch its new A321LR aircraft with a first-class offering that includes sliding privacy doors, lie-flat seats, and large screens. The first-class section will occupy the front row of the aircraft, providing a premium experience for passengers.

The airline's first-class offering will also include a "land and leave" service and limousine transportation to the aircraft for passengers traveling from Abu Dhabi and other destinations. This service aims to provide a seamless and luxurious travel experience for first-class passengers.

Etihad will deploy the A321LR to various destinations, including Paris, Phuket, Riyadh, and Zurich. The aircraft is designed to operate on lighter and trial routes, underlining the airline's commitment to the luxury leisure market.

The introduction of these new amenities and services is part of a broader initiative called "Beyond Borders," which involves a $1 billion investment in both tangible and intangible products. This initiative includes the upcoming retrofit of the airline's 777 and 787 fleets, with a focus on enhancing first-class offerings and introducing a premium economy product [1].

Etihad's Chief Commercial Officer, Arik De, confirmed that the retrofit of the airline's widebody aircraft will include a first-class section and hinted at the introduction of a premium economy product for the widebody fleet. The airline remains committed to this market, noting a clear commercial response to the growing demand for this cabin class in the Middle East [1].

The A321LR represents a transformational moment for Etihad, as the airline accelerates toward its Journey 2030 vision: doubling its fleet size, tripling its passenger numbers, and opening 16 new destinations by 2025 [1].

References:

[1] https://businesstravelerusa.com/news/etihad-a321lr-first-class/