ABU DHABI— Etihad Airways (EY) has upgraded its premium cabin offering on all flights connecting Zayed International Airport (AUH), Abu Dhabi, with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM), Mumbai, and Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), New Delhi. The enhancement applies across eight daily services combined with the two Indian metros.
The airline has introduced the Airbus A321LR on two daily frequencies to both Mumbai and New Delhi, complementing its existing wide-body operations. Etihad stated that the change strengthens its premium product consistency across one of its most important international markets.
Etihad’s India Premium Upgrade
Etihad Airways will now operate four daily flights each to Mumbai and New Delhi, combining Airbus A321LR narrowbody services with wide-body aircraft.
The airline stated that this deployment ensures premium cabin availability across all frequencies on both routes.
Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer at Etihad, described the development as a significant product enhancement for India.
He noted that the airline already serves 11 Indian gateways and continues to expand its premium offering in response to strong demand.
The airline emphasized that the upgraded configuration allows seamless connectivity via Abu Dhabi to long-haul destinations, including London, Paris, Zurich, Geneva, New York, and Toronto.
Etihad’s A321LR Cabin Experience
The Airbus A321LR introduces Etihad’s most advanced narrowbody premium layout, featuring two First Suites with sliding doors for privacy. Each suite offers fully flat beds, 20-inch 4K screens, wireless charging, and Bluetooth connectivity.
The Business cabin includes 14 lie-flat seats, all configured with direct aisle access and window-facing layouts. Etihad highlighted that the cabin delivers a wide-body style experience on single-aisle aircraft, supported by enhanced dining and luxury amenities.
In Economy Class, 144 seats are installed with ergonomically designed layouts and 4K entertainment screens. The airline stated that passengers will have access to a wide content library, including international and Bollywood entertainment options.
Ground Services India
Etihad is extending its premium ground experience to First and Business Deluxe passengers travelling from Mumbai and New Delhi. The service includes chauffeur-driven transfers, Meet and Assist support, and priority airport handling.
First Deluxe guests will also receive access to Etihad Concierge, a personalised travel assistance service designed to streamline the journey from departure to arrival. The airline stated that these services aim to create a consistent premium experience across ground and air segments.
Etihad positioned this enhancement as part of its broader strategy to strengthen premium differentiation on high-demand routes.
Etihad’s India Network Strategy
The airline noted that the A321LR deployment complements its existing wide-body operations, which include aircraft such as the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Boeing 777 on India routes. This mixed-fleet strategy allows Etihad to match capacity with demand while maintaining premium consistency.
Etihad stated that the upgrade reinforces Abu Dhabi’s role as a global transfer hub linking India with Europe, North America, and Asia. The airline also highlighted strong growth in India–UAE traffic as a key driver of its network strategy.
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