Dubai: UAE’s flag carrier Etihad Airways announced Monday a major step in its growth plans with the launch of its new Airbus A321LR aircraft.
This new plane is key to the airline’s goal of doubling its fleet and tripling passenger numbers by 2030, the airline’s top executives said on the first day of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM).
“Etihad’s luxury experience on its wide-body aircraft will now be available on the narrow-body Airbus A321LR on shorter and medium flights,” said Arik De, Chief Revenue Officer.
A highlight is the all-new First Suite, a private luxury space. The airline explained that only two on each plane offer a high-end experience, usually only found on long-haul flights.
Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves said Etihad has been aspiring for this day for the past two years.
He said the airline is investing heavily in improving the first-class experience across its network, with new services launching soon.
The first Etihad A321LR starts flying on August 1 this year, with ten aircraft joining the fleet this year. They will connect Abu Dhabi to Athens, Bangkok, Milan, Riyadh, and Zurich destinations.
