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  1. Marine and Aircrafts
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  3. Etihad Airways Elevates Luxury with First Class on the Airbus A321LR

Etihad Airways Elevates Luxury with First Class on the Airbus A321LR

02 May 2025
  • What makes the A321LR experience with Etihad Airways so unique?
  • How does Etihad enhance business class comfort on the A321LR?
  • What surprises does Etihad offer for economy passengers?
  • How does Etihad ensure seamless connectivity onboard the A321LR?
  • What does the A321LR reveal about Etihad’s broader ambitions?

In a bold move blending tradition and innovation, Etihad Airways has redefined premium travel on narrowbody jets. With the introduction of its first class suites on the Airbus A321LR, the airline proves that luxury is not limited to widebody aircraft. Combining cutting-edge design, enhanced connectivity, and remarkable comfort even in economy class, Etihad’s latest offering sets a new standard for travelers looking for style, performance, and convenience in the skies.

A New Era for Narrowbody Luxury

A New Era for Narrowbody Luxury

Etihad’s decision to introduce first class suites on the A321LR marks a major step forward in narrowbody aviation. Positioned in the first row, these two exclusive suites offer sliding doors, fully lie-flat beds, and elevated dining experiences, creating an intimate and private space for premium travelers. Designed to mirror the comfort and exclusivity usually reserved for widebody aircraft, these suites come equipped with 20-inch IFE screens, wireless charging, and Bluetooth headphone pairing. The initiative highlights Etihad’s commitment to offering consistent luxury across its fleet.

Business Class Redefined for the Modern Traveler

Business Class Redefined for the Modern Traveler

Right behind the two first class suites, Etihad has installed 14 lie-flat business class seats, each boasting direct aisle access in a 1-1 configuration. The business class layout eliminates the common narrowbody drawback of restricted movement and privacy. With beds extending up to 78 inches and similar tech upgrades found in first class, including wireless charging and Bluetooth support, Etihad’s business class on the A321LR competes with some of the finest premium experiences in the industry, making long-haul travel more comfortable than ever.

Widebody Comfort Comes to Economy Class

Widebody Comfort Comes to Economy Class

Etihad ensures that luxury isn’t limited to premium cabins. Economy class on the A321LR features 144 seats, each offering an impressive width of 18.3 inches—one of the widest in its class. Passengers enjoy generous reclining space, personal 13.3-inch touchscreens for entertainment, and USB charging ports at every seat. This setup ensures that even economy travelers enjoy an experience close to widebody standards, highlighting Etihad’s ambition to elevate the entire flying experience, not just for the few but for all.

Next-Level Connectivity and Inflight Technology

Next-Level Connectivity and Inflight Technology

Etihad's partnership with Viasat brings high-speed WiFi to the skies, with speeds reaching up to 1 Gbps. Whether streaming content, working remotely, or staying connected with family and friends, passengers across all cabin classes benefit from fast and stable internet throughout the journey. The integration of wireless audio pairing and wireless device charging across premium cabins further positions Etihad’s A321LR as a leader in blending luxury with digital innovation.

Looking Ahead: A Vision for the Future of Air Travel

Looking Ahead: A Vision for the Future of Air Travel

With the introduction of widebody-style luxury on a narrowbody aircraft, Etihad signals its commitment to setting new standards in air travel. The move to install first class suites and spacious business and economy seating reflects a strategy to deliver consistent excellence across all aircraft types. As the airline expands its fleet with 20 additional A321LRs on order, travelers can look forward to a future where seamless luxury, high-tech amenities, and thoughtful design become the norm rather than the exception.

Ahd Kamal

BY Ahd Kamal

Started my career in Automotive Journalism in 2015. Even though I'm a pharmacist, hanging around cars all the time has created a passion for the automotive industry since day 1.

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