Etihad Unveils First Suite and Business Class on New Narrow-Body A321LR

Updated: April 28, 2025, 1:16pm CDT

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Etihad’s Airbus A321LR Coming This Summer
Final Thoughts

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Etihad Airways recently announced details of its cutting-edge Airbus A321LR during an event in Abu Dhabi.

The narrow-body aircraft, which will operate short- and medium-haul flights, will be the only A321LR with a distinct, international first class product.

“The A321LR is an amazing aircraft which proves our commitment to luxury, customer experience, and connectivity,” said Antonaldo Neves, CEO at Etihad Airways.

Let’s take a look inside this potentially revolutionary aircraft, which will enter service on August 1, 2025.

Etihad’s Airbus A321LR Coming This Summer

The sizzle of August in Abu Dhabi just got even hotter thanks to the imminent inaugural flight of its first Airbus A321LR. Etihad hopes to have 10 of the aircraft type in operation by the end of 2025.

Given the jet’s shorter range compared to larger aircraft, we won’t see this aircraft on the runways of any airports in the U.S.

Instead, Etihad will deploy the jet on routes within the Middle East and further afield to Asia, Europe, and North Africa.

Smooth,Outline,Of,The,Alps,From,Above.,Alpine,Mountain,System — A rendering of Etihad’s Airbus A321LR. Image Credit: Etihad

These are the destinations set to welcome the new aircraft: Algiers, Algeria (ALG); Athens, Greece (ATH); Bangkok, Thailand (BKK); Chennai, India (MAA); Chiang Mai, Thailand (CNX); Copenhagen, Denmark (CPH); Dusseldorf, Germany (DUS); Kolkata, India (CCU); Krabi, Thailand (KBV); Medan, Indonesia (KNO); Milan, Italy (MXP); Paris, France (CDG); Phnom Penh, Cambodia (PNH); Phuket, Thailand (HKT); Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (RUH); Tunis, Tunisia (TUN); and Zurich, Switzerland (ZRH).

The Airbus A321LR is outfitted with Viasat’s Internet system, which can deliver rates of up to 1 Gbps — about as good as it gets in the skies.

The goal with this new aircraft was to make it feel as close as possible to the experience passengers get flying on wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing 777, Boeing 787, and all-new Airbus A350s.

First Suites

These new, long-distance narrow-body planes typically have a premium cabin. However, Etihad has unlocked a new level by offering 2 distinct premium cabins: first class and business class.

Etihad characterizes the experience customers will have in its private first class cabin as “ultra-premium.”

We’ll have to wait until the jet’s inaugural flight in August to find out exactly what that means. Until then, we can anticipate a private space with elevated dining and more luxury design elements than you’ll find in Etihad’s business class.

Etihad A321LR First Suite with bed — Etihad’s First Suite promises to be an ultra-premium experience.

The suite will feature all the latest tech flexes, such as Bluetooth pairing and wireless charging, as well as a 20-inch 4K IFE screen.

According to Etihad, the launch of the First Suites on the Airbus A321LR is part of a larger investment in the airline’s first class offering.

“We’re taking the time to enhance every tiny detail of the experience and introducing a host of new premium services over the next couple of months — stay tuned,” said Neves. This will include top-shelf Champagne and even caviar service.

As you’d expect, a front row seat on this exclusive aircraft comes with a hefty price tag. For example, a round-trip ticket from Zurich (ZRH) to Abu Dhabi (AUH) will set you back a cool $10,680!

Abu Dhabi new first class fares — Image Credit: Google Flights

Bottom Line:

While Etihad is the first airline to offer a true second premium cabin class on its short-haul aircraft, other carriers already operate larger, front-row seats, such as the Mint Studio you’ll find on JetBlue’s version of the Airbus A321LR.

Business Class

The Airbus A321LR’s business class cabins will feature 14 seats that recline into lie-flat 78″ beds.

The image below suggests that business class features herringbone seats arranged in a 1-1 layout, with the seat backs positioned flush against the aisle. This design may somewhat limit passengers’ ability to enjoy an unobstructed view out the window, but we’ll know for sure once the aircraft is in operation.

Etihad A321LR business class cabin — Etihad’s business class cabin on the Airbus A321LR. Image Credit: Etihad

Seats will feature 17.3-inch 4K screens, as well as the same Bluetooth connectivity and wireless charging capabilities as in the First Suites.

Etihad A321LR business class seat — Inside the business class seat on Eithad’s new Airbus A321LR. Image Credit: Etihad

Economy

In economy, passengers can expect 144 seats, each measuring 18.4 inches wide — that’s impressive for an economy seat.

The 3-3 configured row seats will also boast a generous 5-inch recline.

Etihad A321LR economy seats — Economy on Eithad’s new Airbus A321LRs. Image Credit: Etihad

Regarding tech, seats will feature 13.3-inch 4K screens, but USB charging will replace wireless options in higher cabin classes.

Etihad A321LR economy seat backs — Seat back IFE screens on Etihad’s new Airbus A321LRs. Image Credit: Etihad

Final Thoughts

Passengers flying Etihad on short- to medium-haul routes beginning August 1, 2025, could enjoy the airline’s brand-new experience available exclusively on its Airbus A321LR.

A flight on this new aircraft, whether in the exclusive First Suite, reimagined business class, or comfort-focused economy, will surely be memorable.