Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, launched its new First, Business and Economy cabins — dubbed Beyond Borders — for its Airbus A330 aircraft at the Arabian Travel Market. The carrier, according to the announcement, is “doubling down” on First, bringing that product to more aircraft, more routes and more guests.
Etihad is investing $20 billion in new aircraft and customer experience to support its continued growth, including a $1 billion fleet retrofit program, according to the announcement.
The airline’s experience with the Airbus A321LR has already demonstrated Etihad’s ambition to push beyond traditional expectations, according to the announcement, bringing First suites and fully lie-flat Business seats to a single-aisle aircraft.
Antonoaldo Neves, CEO, said: “The A321LR showed what is possible when we challenge the expected model of narrowbody flying. We brought First and fully lie-flat Business to a single-aisle aircraft and guests have responded strongly to the experience it offers, actively choosing to fly on the aircraft.”
He continued: “Now we are taking the next step. Our new A330 brings Beyond Borders to life with an all-new cabin experience, while we are extending the Beyond Borders look and feel to our A321LR as we create greater consistency across the Etihad journey. We are also doubling down on First, bringing an exceptional First experience to our new A330 and increasing the number of First seats across our fleet over the coming years.”
Etihad’s new Airbus A330 will enter service beginning in September 2027, with 15 A330s joining the fleet over five years. The aircraft will support the airline’s continued growth across regional and medium-haul markets, offering a three-cabin experience designed for routes where demand for premium travel, flexibility and capacity continue to grow.
At the front of the aircraft, four First suites create an intimate cabin, said the announcement. Each suite features a closing door for added privacy, together with space for a companion to dine or socialize during the flight.
Each First suite will feature a 32-inch screen, wireless charging, dedicated compartments and personal stowage, alongside a personal powder station stocked with premium amenities for guests to use during their journey and take with them after the flight.
The Business cabin features 24 fully lie-flat seats, all forward-facing with direct aisle access and sliding doors for added privacy. Each seat includes a 17.3-inch screen, wireless and wired charging, a large table and dedicated personal stowage.
Economy features 252 seats within a “bright and calm cabin environment,” incorporating Etihad’s fixed-wing headrest, 13.3-inch 4K touchscreens and convenient personal charging. A dedicated Extra Legroom section includes 32 seats with four inches of extra pitch for added comfort.
