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Etihad Unveils New Airbus A321LR with Premium Travel Experience

Etihad A321LR

Etihad Airways charts a bold new course in the world of air travel, and its latest move turns heads across the aviation industry. Beginning in August 2025, the airline will introduce the Airbus A321LR into its fleet—bringing the luxury and comfort of a widebody experience to a narrowbody jet. With 20 of these aircraft on order and the first ten arriving this year, Etihad begins its next chapter with ambition and transformation.

A New Kind of Narrowbody Experience

The Airbus A321LR (Long Range) may not be new to the skies, but Etihad reimagines how to use it. Traditionally, airlines have assigned narrowbody jets to short- to medium-haul routes with basic configurations. However, Etihad rewrites that script by offering a cabin experience that rivals some long-haul, widebody aircraft.

This version of the A321LR seats just 160 passengers, divided into three distinct classes—each delivering an upgraded experience. Notably, the most talked-about feature is the introduction of First Class Suites, a first for any Etihad single-aisle aircraft.

First Class, Redefined

Each A321LR carries just two First Class Suites. These enclosed private spaces include sliding doors, lie-flat beds, and enough room to host a guest for a meal or meeting. Each suite features a 20-inch 4K screen, wireless charging, Bluetooth connectivity, and Giorgio Armani-designed loungewear and amenity kits.

Beyond the seat itself, the premium journey extends across the entire travel experience. Passengers flying First receive personalized concierge service, private chauffeurs, fast-track airport services, and even home check-in in Abu Dhabi. In essence, Etihad delivers a complete door-to-door luxury experience—not just a flight.

Business Class That Feels Familiar (In a Good Way)

Behind the First Suites, Etihad’s new Business Class cabin features 14 seats in a 1-1 herringbone layout. Each seat offers direct aisle access and fully flat beds stretching 78 inches in length. Furthermore, Etihad emphasizes personal space and technology with 17.3-inch 4K screens, wireless charging, and Bluetooth headphone pairing.

This configuration mirrors business cabins typically found on widebody aircraft, bringing unexpected comfort to shorter routes.

Economy, But Elevated

The 144 Economy Class seats go far beyond basic. They provide generous recline, a spacious 18.4-inch width—one of the widest for this aircraft type—and 13.3-inch personal 4K touchscreens for entertainment. Additionally, USB ports and a modern interface keep even budget-conscious travelers connected and entertained.

Etihad designates 36 of these seats with extra legroom, while the rest offer a standard yet comfortable pitch. As a result, Economy passengers receive a travel experience that feels notably upgraded.

High-Speed Wi-Fi for Everyone

Etihad equips its A321LRs with Viasat’s high-speed Wi-Fi system, enabling gate-to-gate, streaming-capable internet. Whether passengers make video calls, watch live TV, or play games, they can count on a strong, consistent connection throughout the journey. Consequently, digital connectivity becomes an integral part of the onboard offering.

Routes and Reach

Starting August 1, 2025, Etihad will launch A321LR service with a flight from Abu Dhabi to Phuket. In the following months, the airline will expand service to up to 17 cities, including Paris, Zurich, Bangkok, Milan, Athens, and new destinations like Medan, Krabi, and Chiang Mai.

In doing so, this rollout enables Etihad to increase frequencies on high-demand routes and enter entirely new markets. In fact, some routes will see up to three daily flights thanks to the A321LR’s efficiency and range.

A New Chapter in Etihad’s Growth Story

Etihad Airways’ introduction of the Airbus A321LR plays a pivotal role in its ambitious “Journey 2030” strategy, which aims to double the fleet, triple passenger numbers, and launch 16 new destinations in 2025 alone. With its extended range and efficient design, the A321LR empowers Etihad to enter new markets while delivering a premium product—especially on routes that previously lacked high-end service. Ultimately, this strategy strengthens the airline’s position and redefines what travelers expect from single-aisle aircraft.

For travelers, the A321LR means more than just new routes. It delivers widebody-level comfort on regional and medium-haul flights, starting the luxury experience from the moment of booking. From start to finish, with private First Suites and upgraded Business and Economy cabins, Etihad reinforces its commitment to premium service across all classes. The A321LR stands not just as a new aircraft, but as a clear investment in comfort, connectivity, and the future of flying.

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Celebrate Eid Al-Adha with Authentic Maldivian Traditions at Mercure Maldives Kooddoo

Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Hosts Fun Cultural Eid Festivities

This June, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo invites travelers to experience Eid Al-Adha in a way that goes beyond the usual holiday. The adult-only resort has created a special two-day celebration that offers a hands-on look at Maldivian culture through storytelling, traditional crafts, and local flavors. It forms part of their ongoing ‘Discover Local’ program, designed to help guests truly connect with island life.

Learning the Ancient Art of Joali Weaving

One of the standout moments takes place on Saturday, June 7, when guests join a Joali weaving workshop. This craft involves weaving coconut rope into practical items and has been quietly passed down through island families for generations. Since resorts rarely showcase this tradition, this becomes a rare chance for guests to experience a living cultural art.

Mohamed Irshad, the Front Office Manager of Mercue Maldives Kooddoo, shares why it matters:

“We don’t want to just show our guests the Maldives, we want them to feel it through our traditions. Joali weaving is one of those rare crafts that tells the story of resourcefulness, connection to nature, and island life”

Eid Buffet and the Colorful Maali Parade

The celebration starts on the evening of June 6 with an Eid buffet featuring refined takes on local festive dishes. Here, the resort prepares everything using fresh ingredients sourced nearby, celebrating the Maldives’ rich culinary heritage.

Then, the following night, the resort comes alive with the Maali Parade, a lively procession inspired by traditional Maldivian folklore. Masked performers bring ancient stories to life right on the island.

Dining Under the Sun: The Sandbank Picnic Experience

No trip to the Maldives feels complete without a sandbank picnic, and Mercure Maldives Kooddoo offers a particularly memorable version. Set on a tiny, untouched island surrounded by crystal-clear water, guests enjoy an authentic meal served on tropical leaves. This picnic offers a tasting journey into Maldivian flavors, featuring local specialties like:

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  • Kulhi Kaajaa: Spicy tuna bites
  • Bajiya: Pastries filled with sweet and spicy mixes
  • Rihaakuru Kaajaa: Fritters made from rich fish paste
  • Dry Fish: Smoked tuna strips
  • Bodi: Sweet coconut treats with toddy syrup

Along with fresh coconut water, the food makes the meal both refreshing and deeply connected to the island’s culinary traditions.

Year-Round Cultural Experiences with ‘Discover Local’

Although Eid brings special energy to the resort, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo’s cultural offerings continue throughout the year. For instance, the ‘Discover Local’ program invites guests to try their hand at traditional sunset fishing, palm leaf art, and sampling cultural cocktails inspired by island ingredients.

The cocktail menu features creations such as:

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These drinks add an extra layer to the island experience and let guests taste Maldivian flavors in a completely new way.

More Than a Vacation: A Cultural Journey

If you visit for Eid or explore Maldivian culture at any time, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo offers more than a stay. In fact, the resort invites guests to experience the Maldives as a vibrant, living culture, full of stories, flavors, and traditions that stay with you long after the trip ends.

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