AerCap delivered the first of twenty new Airbus A321LR aircraft on lease to Etihad Airways. The aircraft was delivered to Etihad during a special ceremony at the Airbus Delivery Center in Hamburg, Germany. The aircraft will be the first A321LR to be inducted into Etihad’s fleet.
“We take immense pride in playing a role as Etihad expands its fleet and extends its reach from its home in Abu Dhabi’s iconic Zayed International Airport. After announcing record results and achieving record-breaking customer satisfaction scores, Etihad is now poised to build on that success with its new state-of-the-art A321LR fleet,” Peter Anderson, CCO of AerCap, said. “These aircraft will enable further network expansion, offering exceptional performance, extended range and improved fuel-efficiency, while enhancing the travel experience across all cabins for customers worldwide. We wish Etihad continued success in the years ahead, and we look forward to strengthening our partnership as this new chapter unfolds.”
“The arrival of our first Airbus A321LR marks a transformative step in advancing our growth strategy,” Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, said. “This state-of-the-art narrowbody aircraft brings widebody luxury to short and medium-haul routes, featuring First Suites, lie-flat Business seats and upgraded Economy comfort, paired with high-speed Wi-Fi and cutting-edge entertainment. Its medium-haul capability and operational efficiency empower us to boost flight frequencies and unlock new destinations, delivering seamless connectivity and an elevated guest experience across our growing global network.”
“The delivery of Etihad’s first Airbus A321LR, on lease from AerCap, is a powerful symbol of innovation and partnership, strengthening the long-standing relationship between Airbus and the UAE,” Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, executive vice president sales of the commercial aircraft business, said. “This aircraft sets a new standard for comfort in the single-aisle category and paves the way for increased connectivity as Etihad expands its operations from its Abu Dhabi hub.”
