As Etihad Airways prepares to launch its inaugural Airbus A321LR flights, the airline has outlined the planned destinations for these aircraft. The first service is scheduled for August 1, from Abu Dhabi to Phuket. This Thai city is one of 17 destinations slated to receive the A321LR until early 2026.
Etihad Airways, operating as a full-service carrier with its hub at Abu Dhabi International Airport, has made firm orders for 20 A321LRs, although the exact delivery timeline is unclear. Future plans suggest the possibility of operating 30 to 40 aircraft of this model. The A321LR will feature 160 seats, including the introduction of first-class suites, a first for Etihad's narrowbody aircraft. The configuration will consist of two first-class suites, 14 business seats with fully flat beds, and 144 economy seats.
The first nine planned destinations include a mix of established and new markets. From August, the new aircraft will fly from Abu Dhabi to Phuket daily, allowing for increased frequency on this route. Other notable cities such as Copenhagen, Düsseldorf, and Kolkata will have their frequency increased to daily, with first-class service being introduced. New destinations Medan, Phnom Penh, and Krabi are to be added, expanding Etihad's network and offering direct flights from Abu Dhabi.