Etihad Airways CEO Unpacks Big Bet on Small Jets
In a region known for flying enormous 777s and double-decker A380s, Etihad's newest star is a single-aisle jet. The Gulf carrier took delivery of its first Airbus A321LR this week, a long-range variant of a plane more typically used for short economy-focused flights.
The UAE airline is betting on the new aircraft to supercharge its network growth and broader brand revival. As Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves told Skift: 'Today we show the world we're back in the game, and specifically back in the premium game.'
That game involves an aircraft type already familiar to many travelers. The A321LR, an evolution of Airbus' best-selling narrowbody, is new-generation, but not exactly groundbreaking.
JetBlue took delivery of its first in 2021, while Aer Lingus, Air Transat, and SAS are among others to use the jet on short transatlantic hops. But it's the speed and scale at which Etihad is adding the A321LR – along with its distinctive three-class configuration – that is piquing industry interest.
30, Not 20, A321LRs on the Way
Speaking at a media briefing at Airbus' Finkenwerder factory in Germany, Neves left reporters scrambling for their notes. What was meant to be a tranche of 20 A321LRs became a throng of 30. Asked for clarity on the 50% increase, Neves quipped: 'You guys are reading the wrong newspaper.'
Through a mix of leased aircraft and direct orders, Etihad will now receive 30 A321LRs over the next four years. A steady flow should result in 10 deliveries by the end of 2025, followed by another 10 the next year, then five each in 2027 and 2028. From the airline's Abu Dhabi hub, the long-range jets will fly as far afield as Paris and Hanoi. Journey tim
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Entrepreneur
13 minutes ago
- Entrepreneur
Presight and Abu Dhabi Police to Drive AI-Enabled Law Enforcement and Smart City Innovation
The partnership will accelerate the deployment of intelligent systems that enable proactive crime prevention, real-time threat detection, digital forensics, and predictive analytics. You're reading Entrepreneur Middle East, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. Presight, an ADX-listed public company with Abu Dhabi-based G42 as its majority shareholder, has entered a strategic cooperation agreement with Abu Dhabi Police General Headquarters (GHQ) to develop cutting-edge artificial intelligence technologies for law enforcement. The collaboration aims to integrate the capabilities of Presight's AI-Policing Suite – a modular, future-ready solution that leverages Generative AI, AI agents, and advanced data analytics – with Abu Dhabi Police's operational excellence to address modern challenges in policing and smart city development. The partnership will accelerate the deployment of intelligent systems that enable proactive crime prevention, real-time threat detection, digital forensics, and predictive analytics. Attending the ceremony were His Excellency Ahmed Saif bin Zaitoon AlMheiri, Commander-General of Abu Dhabi Police, His Excellency Mansoor Al Mansoori, Member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, Chairman of the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi, and Vice Chairman of Presight; Thomas Pramotedham, CEO of Presight; and Dr Adel Al Sharji, COO of Presight, and Mohammed AlMheiri, Chief Business Officer - Public Safety & Security. Major General/Engineer Nasir Sultan Al-Yabhouni, Director of the Leadership Affairs Sector at Abu Dhabi Police, said, "Our partnership with Presight helps us benefit from world-leading artificial intelligence technologies that will enhance our policing capabilities and take them to new heights. This collaboration supports our efforts to maintain public safety through innovation, which means strengthening our officers' ability to respond faster, make smarter decisions, and make Abu Dhabi a safer and more secure place." Mohammed AlMheiri, Chief Business Officer - Public Safety & Security, Presight, said, "This strategic agreement marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of AI-driven public safety. Presight, together with Abu Dhabi Police, are enabling a new era of proactive, data-driven law enforcement, which will drive a shift towards applied intelligence-led policing defined by enhancements in decision-making and operational agility. Our platform's intelligent digital investigator, real-time threat detection, and predictive analytics capabilities empower officers to anticipate and respond to challenges with unprecedented speed and precision. Together, we are shaping a future where cities are not only smarter, but fundamentally safer." This strategic alliance supports the transformation of public safety infrastructure, enabling enhanced decision-making and streamlined emergency response. The joint efforts will also explore innovative models to modernize law enforcement practices, emphasizing ethical AI usage and data-driven policing. The partnership is a significant step forward in realizing Abu Dhabi's vision of a future-ready, AI-enabled smart nation, reinforcing its position as a global leader in technology adoption and urban safety.
Entrepreneur
43 minutes ago
- Entrepreneur
UAE Opens Golden Visa Path to Investors Without Sponsorship
You're reading Entrepreneur Middle East, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. In a significant move to attract global talent and long-term investment, the United Arab Emirates has simplified the process for investors to obtain the coveted Golden Visa—now available without the need for a local sponsor. The announcement, made by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), outlines a streamlined, eight-step application procedure aimed at facilitating business and economic growth. Previously, the 10-year Golden Residency Visa often required backing by a company or government entity. Under the new system, investors and business owners can apply independently, making the UAE even more attractive to international entrepreneurs and high-net-worth individuals seeking stability, access to regional markets, and tax advantages. Applicants must provide proof of a minimum AED 2 million investment in the country through real estate, business capital, or public projects. They are also required to submit supporting documents, such as audited financial statements and proof of income, alongside a valid passport. The revised pathway is part of the UAE's broader efforts to diversify its economy and strengthen its position as a global business hub. By removing barriers to long-term residency, authorities hope to retain top talent, boost local investment, and encourage innovation in sectors like technology, finance, and renewable energy. Since its inception in 2019, the Golden Visa has been a cornerstone of the UAE's residency reform strategy. Expanding eligibility and easing procedural constraints signals a deeper commitment to economic openness and global competitiveness. Investors can initiate their application online through the ICP portal, with most approvals expected within a few weeks, pending background and security checks. With this policy shift, the UAE reinforces its image not just as a transit economy—but as a destination for long-term investment and high-impact entrepreneurship.
Bloomberg
44 minutes ago
- Bloomberg
Hedge Funds, Wealth Firms Fuel Dubai Finance Hub's Record Growth
Dubai's financial hub reported a record increase in company registrations in the first half of the year, as the influx of hedge funds and wealth management firms continued despite geopolitical tensions and tariff uncertainty. The Dubai International Financial Centre reported a 32% increase in registrations in the first six months of 2025 compared to the same period last year, with 1,081 new companies setting up in the hub, according to a statement on Monday. The DIFC is now home to 7,700 active registered companies.
