This new plane feels like a private jet — without the price tag

Times

30-07-2025

The Airbus A320 family of aircraft — including the A318, A319, A320, and A321 — is the most successful in the world. These small short-haul workhorses, with a single aisle and two engines, fly in almost every continent. There are nearly 12,000 of them in the sky and if you've ever taken an easyJet flight, you'll have boarded one.
Although the layout of these ubiquitous jets has not changed since the first plane took to 33,000ft in 1984, there has been some innovation. Since last year a handful of airlines has bought the A321LR (long range) and XLR (extra long range) types, which can fly for up to about 11 hours, a feat previously unthinkable for this narrow-bodied jet.
The introduction of the LR and XLR types also means that premium airlines can offer passengers on smaller aircraft the wide-body experience, for example lie-flat beds and luxury amenities. But one carrier known for its posh planes wanted to take the opportunity a step further and 'introduce long-haul luxury to short-haul flights', and so Etihad has installed first-class suites on board — the only carrier to do so.
I wanted to see if first class on board a plane beloved by budget airlines was as odd as it sounded. And last week I was granted special behind-the-scenes access to board the delivery flight of Etihad's new A321LR, from the Airbus factory in Hamburg to its base in Abu Dhabi, before it was rolled out to passengers.
My first thought upon boarding the aircraft for the sevenish-hour flight (about the upper limit for the A321LR) was that it feels like a private aircraft — it's the only one configured with two first-class suites. The suites, 1A and 1F, have sliding doors and extra seating space, while flying in one of the 14 business-class seats will get you lie-flat beds, a window and direct access to the aisle. Down the back are 144 economy seats that all feel spacious, with 30in between one headrest and the next, and there's good mood lighting.
I'm flying in business class which, thanks to the exclusive feel and attentive crew, feels like the closest you can get to the cosiness of your own jet without the price tag. The herringbone layout means you're never staring at your neighbour, and it's great that each seat has a window, plus large 4K screens with more than a thousand hours of films, TV and games to entertain.
• The best business class, first class and premium economy cabins
Passengers love the spaciousness of the double-decker Airbus A380, but I like how snug this aircraft feels – big isn't always beautiful, and a smaller plane means we can disembark quickly, with our luggage returned just as swiftly. The loo is in black marble with a shiny wood effect and comes with ESPA goodies (very Abu Dhabi). My only complaint is that the single aisle gets busy with passengers and cabin crew trying to squeeze past each other.
Antonoaldo Neves, Etihad's chief executive, says that the new aircraft 'changes everything we thought possible on a single-aisle plane', adding that it will 'redefine luxury in a narrow body'. 'The crew tell me they love the plane — it's a symbol of innovation and evolution,' he says.
The A321LR will transport paying passengers for the first time on Friday, from Abu Dhabi to Phuket. Etihad is planning to fly it on 15 other routes this year and next, including to Bangkok, Phnom Penh and Hanoi, all from the Emirati capital. Some routes, such as that to Calcutta in India, are as short as five hours. Previously these cities would have been served by a larger aircraft such as a Boeing 777. However, this new plane won't be much use if you're flying from London to Abu Dhabi — that route will likely continue to be an A380 jumbo.
• Read our full guide to Abu Dhabi
For an airline, the long-range narrow bodies allow it to expand into and experiment with new destinations that aren't popular enough to be served by a larger aircraft, and to provide more frequent flights on popular routes. For passengers, these planes are modern, efficient and ultra-comfortable, much like private jets, the use of which has increased exponentially since the pandemic.
Etihad, a rival to fellow Gulf mega-connectors Emirates and Qatar, has ordered 20 of these aircraft as part of a major growth spurt; Neves calls the A321LR 'the backbone of our growth'. So far this year the carrier has announced or launched 27 new routes, and is on course to carry more than 20 million passengers to and from its high-tech Gulf hub in 2025. By doubling the fleet, it hopes to fly 38 million Brits via Abu Dhabi by 2030 — an aggressive expansion plan that will open up more destinations across Africa, Asia or even Australasia.
As we touch down to cheers at the private Abu Dhabi terminal, I come to the conclusion that after 20 years flying in A320s with budget airlines, this experience of flying in luxury business class in a small plane feels as weird as it sounds, but I love the homeliness of it. Unfortunately my next flight is on a regular A320 and down the back — in economy.Cathy Adams was a guest of Etihad Airways, which has one-way London to Phuket first-class fares, with the Abu Dhabi-Phuket leg onboard the A321LR, from £2,509pp (etihad.com)