Can First Class Be Profitable? Etihad Says Yes — and It's Doubling Down

Etihad Airways is working hard to rewrite the rulebook on first class, proving that ultra-premium doesn’t have to mean unprofitable.

In Dubai earlier this week, Etihad Airways pulled back the curtain of its newest aircraft. From the outside, the Airbus A321LR (for Long Range) looks like any other single-aisle jet. The workhorse sort that’ll get you from Barcelona to Berlin or Miami to Memphis.

But Etihad had a few surprises. The jet’s ability to fly longer medium-haul routes – think Abu Dhabi to Phuket or Paris – justifies investment in a more comfortable cabin.

Presenting at Arabian Travel Market, the airline previewed a three-class configuration, with a premium-heavy focus. Economy and business class were always a given, but an all-new first class product was unexpected on a relatively small plane.

Described by Etihad as the First Suite, it looks more like something found on a traditional widebody aircraft.

Each A321LR has just two of these ultra-luxe suites onboard – naturally located at the very front of the cabin. In many respects, the airline is following in the footsteps of JetBlue, which added an extra-spacious “Mint Studio” to its own A321LRs.

However, Etihad is positioning this as part of a distinctive first class product. Its introduction, planned for this August, goes beyond passenger experience. The aim is that first class can also be a sustainabl