In a bold move to redefine regional air travel luxury, Etihad Airways has launched its first Airbus A321LR, setting a new benchmark as the world’s only single-aisle jet equipped with private first-class suites.

The aircraft was officially delivered to the UAE’s national airline this week, marking the beginning of a new era for short and medium-haul premium travel across the GCC and beyond.

First-Class Comfort, Now on Narrow-Body Jets

Etihad’s A321LR features:

16 fully enclosed first-class suites with sliding doors
20 business-class seats in a 2-2 layout with ample recline
95 economy seats with enhanced legroom and inflight entertainment

The airline has adapted its wide-body premium experience to the narrower cabin, delivering luxury typically reserved for long-haul routes.

Route Rollout and Fleet Plans

The A321LR is expected to operate on high-demand routes between Abu Dhabi and key GCC cities like Jeddah, Riyadh, Doha, Kuwait, and Cairo, offering passengers a premium travel option for journeys under five hours.

Etihad confirmed that the A321LR is the first of several new narrow-body jets being introduced as part of its regional fleet modernization strategy.

A Word from Etihad

“We are proud to bring innovation and luxury together on a single-aisle aircraft,” said a senior Etihad official. “This aircraft represents our ongoing commitment to elevating the guest experience on every route.”