Middle East airline Etihad has showcased is new passenger layout on its Airbus A321LR fleet, enthusiastically described by the airline as being “beautiful” and noting that Viasat will provide “superfast, streaming Wi-Fi” and live television throughout the cabin on these new aircraft, so passengers can stay entertained and productive during their flights.
Abu Dhabi-based Etihad introduced its all-new A321LR: luxury First Suites, lie-flat Business seats, and Economy with 4K touchscreens — “all on a next-generation aircraft that connects you to more of the world”. Etihad used the Arabian Travel Market to show off the new layouts.
Etihad says its treatment of the single aisle narrow-bodied jet with private suites, sliding doors, lie-flat beds, 4K touchscreens and what it describes as “elevated dining” as being “small in size but big on luxury”.
The A321LR is equipped with Viasat’s advanced multi-orbit system, offering speeds of up to 1 Gbps. The new aircraft will come into service from August 1st on routes to cities including Athens, Milan, Paris and Bangkok.
By the end of this year Etihad will have received 10 of the new aircraft and the industry comment at the Dubai show was favorable and saying that the concept will bring a new level of competition to the Gulf and those traveling to and through the region.
The Airbus A321LR boasts two exclusive First Suites, offering passengers a fully enclosed, private space with a sliding door, lie-flat beds, and bespoke design elements. Guests in the First Class cabin can enjoy elevated dining experiences, with a focus on premium culinary offerings. Additionally, each suite is equipped with a large 20” 4K entertainment screen, Bluetooth pairing, and wireless charging capabilities, ensuring a seamless and luxurious travel experience.
The Business Class cabin introduces a widebody-style seating arrangement, with 14 fully-flat 78” beds arranged in a herringbone layout. Each seat offers direct aisle access (1-1) and includes a 17.3” 4K screen.
Airline Ratings rhetorically asked whether the new fleet could be the best narrow-bodied aircraft in the sky, and the that Viasat’s WiFi is claimed to be “Superfast” with smooth streaming and browsing.
Meanwhile, Etihad says it is aiming to double its fleet size, triple passenger numbers and opening 16 new destinations in 2025 as part of its overall 2030 vision, according to Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways.
