Etihad’s first airbus A321LR to launch commercial flights today

Abu Dhabi: Etihad Airways is preparing to deploy its first Airbus A321LR into commercial operations starting August 1, 2025, following the aircraft’s final readiness checks.

The narrowbody jet will begin service on the Abu Dhabi–Phuket route, with plans to later expand to other key cities including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Copenhagen, Milan, Paris, and Zurich.

The aircraft, arriving at Abu Dhabi International Airport last Friday as flight EY3210, was greeted with enthusiasm by Etihad staff and stakeholders marking this significant fleet milestone.

This delivery aligns with Etihad’s rapid expansion efforts, with 27 new routes either launched or announced this year. The A321LR addition will be followed by nine more aircraft of the same model throughout 2025, bolstering the airline’s capacity and reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s global aviation footprint.

The expansion supports Etihad’s Journey 2030 strategic plan, which aims to carry 38 million passengers annually and elevate the emirate’s standing as a key international transit hub.