Etihad Airways has launched a major upgrade to its First Class service starting August 2025, offering a global chauffeur service, airport meet & greet, and new luxury features for travelers. These changes are part of Etihad’s Journey 2030 plan, aiming to set new standards for premium air travel and attract more high-end passengers worldwide.
What’s New for First Class Passengers
Etihad’s new suite of First Class benefits brings a true door-to-door luxury experience. The most notable addition is the global chauffeur service. Now, First Class travelers receive complimentary private car transfers to and from the airport at every First Class destination, not just in the United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪. This means whether you’re flying from London to Sydney or Abu Dhabi to New York 🇺🇸, Etihad’s chauffeur service ensures a smooth, comfortable ride at both ends of your journey. This move makes Etihad one of the few airlines to offer such a service worldwide.
Alongside the chauffeur service, Etihad has introduced a dedicated airport meet & greet for First Class guests. At Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport, passengers receive personalized help from the curb to the lounge, including fast-track immigration and security. When direct boarding isn’t possible, a private limousine takes guests right to the aircraft door, adding another layer of privacy and comfort.
In Abu Dhabi, Etihad has rolled out Home Check-In and Land & Leave services. With Home Check-In, staff collect and check in your bags from your home, so you can head to the airport hands-free. Land & Leave lets you skip baggage claim and enjoy a quicker exit from the airport, making arrivals less stressful.
Personalized Support Every Step of the Way
Etihad’s new 24/7 Concierge service for First Class passengers offers tailored travel planning, help with itineraries, and personal support from booking to arrival. This means travelers can get help with special requests, last-minute changes, or local recommendations at any time, making the journey smoother and more enjoyable.
Onboard Upgrades and New Aircraft
Etihad is also investing in its aircraft. The new Airbus A321LR, entering service in 2025, features two private First Class suites with sliding doors, lie-flat beds, companion seating, 20-inch 4K screens, Bluetooth pairing, and wireless charging. These suites bring the luxury of long-haul First Class to shorter, medium-haul routes, which is rare in the airline industry.
All of Etihad’s widebody and narrowbody planes will be retrofitted to include First Class by 2030, with nine more A321LRs joining the fleet in 2025. This means more routes will offer the same high level of comfort and service, even on connecting flights.
Onboard, First Class guests enjoy enhanced dining with à la carte menus, boutique wine lists, and meals prepared by onboard chefs. Amenity kits designed by Giorgio Armani and luxury ESPA products add to the sense of exclusivity. Passengers also get complimentary Wi-Fi with unlimited data and access to exclusive lounges and spa treatments at Zayed International Airport.
Why These Changes Matter
For travelers, these upgrades mean a seamless, luxury experience from the moment they leave home until they reach their destination. The global chauffeur service and airport meet & greet remove many of the usual hassles of flying, such as arranging ground transport or waiting in long lines. The Home Check-In and Land & Leave services in Abu Dhabi save time and reduce stress, especially for busy business travelers or families.
The expansion of First Class to narrowbody aircraft like the A321LR allows Etihad to offer a consistent premium experience on more routes, including shorter flights that connect to long-haul journeys. This is especially important for travelers who value comfort and privacy throughout their trip.
Etihad’s Strategy and Market Impact
Etihad’s decision to expand First Class goes against the trend of many airlines that are cutting back on premium cabins. Instead, Etihad is doubling down on luxury, aiming to attract high-yield leisure and business travelers, especially in the Gulf region and Asia. The airline’s goal is to equip its entire fleet with First Class by 2030 and serve 33–38 million passengers each year by the end of the decade.
Abu Dhabi’s population has grown by 7.5% in the past year, increasing demand for premium travel options. Etihad’s focus on luxury positions it well to capture this market. As reported by VisaVerge.com, industry analysts believe that while many airlines are moving away from First Class, there is still a strong demand in the Gulf region, and Etihad is well-placed to meet it.
Voices from Etihad and the Industry
Etihad’s Chief Commercial Officer, Arik De, and CEO, Antonoaldo Neves, have both highlighted that these changes are central to the airline’s Journey 2030 vision. Neves stated, “We want to have all the planes in Etihad with a first-class – that’s the target in five years,” showing the airline’s commitment to making First Class a key part of its brand.
John Strickland from JLS Consulting points out that while many airlines are removing First Class, Etihad’s move shows confidence in the premium market, especially in the Middle East.
How to Book and Use the New Services
Booking First Class on Etihad is simple. Passengers can book directly on etihad.com, through travel agents, or by upgrading from Business Class with miles or cash, if seats are available. All new First Class services, including the chauffeur and meet & greet, are included automatically with every First Class ticket. However, it’s recommended to reserve the chauffeur service in advance to ensure availability.
For personalized help, First Class passengers receive contact details for the Etihad Concierge after booking. This team is available 24/7 to assist with any travel needs.
Background and What’s Next
Etihad’s chauffeur service was once limited to select destinations, but the 2025 expansion makes it available worldwide for all First Class routes. The introduction of First Class on narrowbody aircraft is rare and sets Etihad apart as a leader in premium regional and medium-haul travel.
These changes are part of a larger plan to double the airline’s fleet, triple passenger numbers, and open 16 new destinations in 2025 alone. Etihad also plans to introduce Premium Economy on widebody aircraft and deliver 20 new planes each year for the next five years.
Summary of Key Features (2025):
- Global chauffeur service for all First Class destinations
- Airport meet & greet and private limousine transfers at Abu Dhabi
- Home Check-In and Land & Leave in Abu Dhabi
- 24/7 Etihad Concierge for First Class
- New First Class suites on A321LR and retrofitted widebodies
- Enhanced inflight dining, amenities, and connectivity
- Commitment to First Class on all aircraft by 2030
For more details on First Class services or to book, visit etihad.com. For official information on travel to the United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪, including visa requirements, see the UAE government portal.
Etihad’s latest upgrades show a strong commitment to luxury and comfort, making First Class travel more accessible and enjoyable for passengers around the world.
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