Etihad‘s new A321LR will include a unique feature for single-aisle long-haul aircraft: A first class cabin. Etihad is not alone in taking advantage of the bulkhead row to offer increased space to passengers, but the carrier will sell it as a separate cabin rather than an assigned seating up-charge for business class travel.
The A321LR is an amazing aircraft which proves our commitment to luxury, customer experience, and connectivity.
– Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways
The premium section of the plane will be fitted with the Stelia Opera Single Aisle seating. The 1-1 reverse herringbone layout offers 14 passengers a 78″ lie-flat bed, 17.3″ IFE screen, Bluetooth headphone pairing and more.
But in the first row that experience gets a boost. The seats will add doors for mini-suite privacy. They will also feature space for a companion to sit with the passenger and a larger 20″ IFE screen.
Beyond the seat, Etihad also promises additional shifts to the first class experience, including services on the ground. These include private chauffeur service to and from the airport, a dedicated check-in area, and porter services to handle bags. “First isn’t just a seat – it’s an experience that starts the moment you choose to fly with us,” shares CEO Antonoaldo Neves. “We’re bringing First to more destinations and elevating it at every touchpoint, combining the elegance of champagne and caviar with the convenience of modern luxury.”
Economy class will fly with 144 seats, including 13.3″ screens and USB power. The seats appear to be the Collins Meridian product.
Etihad expects to take delivery of ten A321LR planes this year, with the first entering service on 1 August 2025. A review of schedule data from Cirium shows the configuration operating daily to Phuket, Thailand.
Copenhagen, Dusseldorf, Kolkata, and Medan show the configuration flying from 1 October, with it disappearing from the Phuket route at that time. As with most future scheduling, consider this subject to change.
Map generated by the Great Circle Mapper - copyright © Karl L. Swartz.
Etihad shares the following destinations as early targets for the aircraft: Algiers, Athens, Bangkok, Chennai, Chiang Mai, Copenhagen, Dusseldorf, Kolkata, Krabi, Medan, Milan, Paris, Phnom Penh, Phuket, Riyadh, Tunis, and Zurich.
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