Watch: Etihad’s A321LR takes centre stage at Dubai Airshow
This aircraft combines long-haul comfort with regional efficiency and connectivity
DUBAI – UAE’s national flag-carrier Etihad Airways has put the spotlight on its new Airbus A321LR at the 2025 Dubai Airshow, showcasing the airline’s commitment to redefining luxury in narrow body aviation.
The A321LR – the only aircraft of its kind in the region offering private First Suites – promises extended range and exceptional fuel efficiency.
Visitors at the Airshow can explore Etihad’s award-winning products at the airline’s dedicated pavilion and see firsthand how the aircraft blends innovation with comfort.
What makes Etihad’s A321LR unique?
The A321LR, unveiled earlier this year at the Arabian Travel Market in April, represents a major leap in premium regional travel. Configured with a three-class cabin, it offers the airline’s signature First Suites, lie-flat Business seats, and spacious Economy, enabling an unprecedented luxury experience on short and medium-haul routes. First Suite passengers enjoy enclosed cabins with lie-flat beds, 20-inch 4K screens, wireless charging, and bespoke dining – all features traditionally reserved for widebody aircraft.
Business Class on the A321LR includes 14 lie-flat seats arranged in a 1-1 herringbone layout, each with a 17.3-inch 4K screen, Bluetooth connectivity, and direct aisle access. Meanwhile, Economy passengers benefit from 144 seats with 18.4-inch width, 13.3-inch touchscreens, and Viasat-powered Wi-Fi providing speeds of up to 1 Gbps.
How is A321LR transforming travel?
The aircraft combines long-haul standards with narrow body efficiency, allowing Etihad to operate high-end services across a wider network. The first A321LR entered service on 1 August 2025, and ten more are scheduled to join the fleet within the year. Destinations include Algiers, Athens, Bangkok, Kolkata, Krabi, Zurich, and more, supporting the airline’s Journey 2030 vision to expand the fleet to over 170 aircraft and serve 38 million passengers annually by decade’s end.
The A321LR debuted commercially on the Abu Dhabi–Phuket route, with plans to serve 27 new regional routes across Europe and Asia by the end of 2025. Etihad’s CEO Antonoaldo Neves described the aircraft as “changing everything we thought possible on a single-aisle plane,” underscoring its role in delivering world-class service to more destinations.
Beyond the aircraft, Etihad is enhancing the passenger experience with services such as Etihad Concierge, dedicated First check-in, and home-to-airport door-to-door travel solutions, ensuring luxury extends from the ground to the skies.