AerCap Holdings Delivers First of Twenty New Airbus A321LRs on Lease to Etihad Airways
- Joe Breitfeller

- Jul 25
- 2 min read
On Thursday (July 24, 2025), AerCap Holdings announced the delivery of the first of 20 new Airbus A321LRs on lease to Etihad Airways. The aircraft was delivered during a special ceremony at the Airbus Delivery Center in Hamburg, Germany.

On Thursday (July 24, 2025), AerCap Holdings N.V. announced that they have delivered the first of 20 new Airbus A321LR aircraft on lease to Etihad Airways. The handover took place at a special ceremony at the Airbus Delivery Center in Hamburg, Germany. This will be the first A321LR to be inducted into Etihad’s fleet. The new aircraft features bespoke cabin interiors with private First Suites, lie-flat Business Class seats, and next generation Economy Class seats. Customers will also enjoy ultra-modern 4K touchscreens and high-speed Wi-Fi. AerCap is the world’s largest Airbus A320neo Family lessor, with 580 owned, on order and managed aircraft.
Speaking at the delivery ceremony in Hamburg, AerCap’s CCO, Peter Anderson, said,
“We take immense pride in playing a role as Etihad expands its fleet and extends its reach from its home in Abu Dhabi’s iconic Zayed International Airport. After announcing record results and achieving record-breaking customer satisfaction scores, Etihad is now poised to build on that success with its new state-of-the-art A321LR fleet. These aircraft will enable further network expansion, offering exceptional performance, extended range, and improved fuel-efficiency, while enhancing the travel experience across all cabins for customers worldwide. We wish Etihad continued success in the years ahead, and we look forward to strengthening our partnership as this new chapter unfolds.”
Also commenting at the ceremony, Etihad Airways’ CEO, Antonoaldo Neves, said,
“The arrival of our first Airbus A321LR marks a transformative step in advancing our growth strategy. This state-of-the-art narrowbody aircraft brings widebody luxury to short and medium-haul routes, featuring First Suites, lie-flat Business seats, and upgraded Economy comfort, paired with high-speed Wi-Fi and cutting-edge entertainment. Its medium-haul capability and operational efficiency empower us to boost flight frequencies and unlock new destinations, delivering seamless connectivity and an elevated guest experience across our growing global network.”
Airbus Commercial Aircraft’s VP – Sales, Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, added,
“The delivery of Etihad’s first Airbus A321LR, on lease from AerCap, is a powerful symbol of innovation and partnership, strengthening the long-standing relationship between Airbus and the UAE. This aircraft sets a new standard for comfort in the single-aisle category and paves the way for increased connectivity as Etihad expands its operations from its Abu Dhabi hub.”
AerCap Holdings N.V. (NYSE: AER) is the global leader in aircraft leasing and maintains one of the most attractive order books in the industry. The company serves around 300 customers in 80 countries with comprehensive fleet solutions. AerCap is headquartered in Dublin and maintains offices in Shannon, Miami, Singapore, Amsterdam, London, Shanghai, Dubai, and other locations around the world.
Source(s): AerCap/PRNewswire, Etihad Airways


