Etihad Airways expands network with Airbus A321LR serving Milan

The A321LR will debut on August 1 with daily flights to Phuket. Other routes include Düsseldorf and Copenhagen starting October 1. The full list of initial destinations includes Hanoi, Algiers, Phnom Penh, Chiang Mai, Tunis, Krabi, and Milan.

The A321LR is seen as an efficient option for routes with lower demand. It allows Etihad to replace larger aircraft like the Boeing 787 and 777 on certain routes while increasing frequencies without compromising load factors. This strategy aims to optimize route offerings by providing more convenient schedules for passengers.

Arik De commented on the potential of the A321LR: "The LRs will enable omnidirectional growth for us... It will open up multiple secondary destinations in Europe and Asia."

Etihad's expansion strategy involves replacing widebodies on some routes with the A321LR while increasing flight frequencies.