Etihad to Launch A321LR with First Suites on Kolkata Route
Etihad Airways is set to enhance its service to India with the introduction of the new Airbus A321LR aircraft on the Abu Dhabi to Kolkata route starting September 26, 2025. The upgrade marks a significant step in the airline’s expansion in the Indian market and comes as part of a broader fleet strategy. Etihad’s first A321LR is scheduled to enter commercial service on August 1 with an inaugural flight to Phuket, Thailand.
The aircraft will feature an upscale cabin configuration that includes two First Suites, 14 fully lie-flat Business Class seats, and an Economy Class cabin outfitted with 4K touchscreens and high-speed Wi-Fi, accommodating a total of 144 passengers. This will be the first time Kolkata receives a narrow-body aircraft equipped with First Class suites, offering a wide-body level of comfort on a single-aisle aircraft.
Etihad’s Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, Arik De, said, “India is a key market for Etihad, and we are delighted to elevate our Kolkata service with our latest A321LR aircraft. With this upgrade, our guests can now enjoy a superior travel experience, whether in our luxurious First Suites, Business Class lie-flat seats, or next-generation Economy cabin.”
Etihad is due to receive 10 A321LR aircraft this year, with a total of 20 on order. Two of the aircraft were recently seen in full livery at Airbus’s Hamburg facility. CEO Antonoaldo Neves has described the arrival of the A321LR as a transformational milestone aligned with the airline’s Vision 2030 plan, which targets a doubling of its fleet, a tripling of passenger numbers, and the launch of 16 new destinations in 2025.
The A321LR will not only serve Kolkata but will also operate on routes connecting Abu Dhabi to destinations across Asia, Europe, and North Africa, including Athens, Bangkok, Milan, Paris, Riyadh, Zurich, Chennai, and Tunis.
Etihad highlighted that the aircraft is designed to deliver wide-body comfort on narrow-body routes, focusing on space, privacy, and premium amenities, with advanced entertainment systems and connectivity throughout the cabin. The airline’s move to introduce this aircraft on high-growth routes like Kolkata underscores its commitment to delivering an upgraded travel experience and strengthening its presence across the Indian subcontinent.
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