Etihad rolls out chauffeur service for all first class destinations

In addition to its chauffeur service, Etihad Airways has introduced at-home check-in and first class offerings on select short and medium-haul flights.

Although a relative newcomer to the aviation industry at just 22 years old, Etihad Airways is one of the world’s leading airlines. The national carrier for the United Arab Emirates has established a reputation for premium service and facilities, from the economy cabin up to first class. Flying into the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and North America – and partnering with like-minded carriers on codeshare flights – Etihad Airways connects to hundreds of destinations. And now, the full suite of first-class perks will be available beyond Abu Dhabi – including chauffeur service.

Etihad expands chauffeur service

Available in the UAE and all first-class routes, Etihad Airways’ first class guests can enjoy private chauffeur service to and from the airport. They’ll be personally escorted through a dedicated check-in area to the Etihad First Lounge and on to boarding. On arrival, guests are accompanied from the aircraft door to their chauffeur, with porter services taking care of the luggage. However, Etihad’s first class experience starts from the moment customers click the ‘book now’ button, with all those purchasing first class fares supported by personalised service from the new Etihad Concierge, which will be available 24/7 for tailored travel planning. In Abu Dhabi, first class guests also benefit from complimentary ‘home check-in’ and ‘land & leave’ services for a baggage-free airport experience. At Zayed International Airport, first guests will be chauffeured to the aircraft door in a private limousine if the flight does not board directly from the terminal.

Ready to book the world’s most luxurious in-flight experience? Read about Etihad’s ‘The Residence’ suite in the sky here.

First class is now available on shorter flights

The renewed investment in first class services takes wing alongside a suite of changes being rolled out as part of the airline’s Journey 2030 growth strategy. For the first time, Etihad Airways is introducing its full widebody first class experience to narrowbody aircraft with the debut of its all-new Airbus A321LR. With just two exclusive first class suites onboard, guests can indulge in an ultra-private, top-tier journey usually reserved for long-haul flights. The new suite features a companion seat, wireless charging, Bluetooth pairing and a 20” 4K screen – available on short and medium-haul flights.

The business cabin features 14 forward-facing, fully-flat beds in a one-to-one herringbone layout, each with a 17.3” 4K screen, wireless charging and Bluetooth connectivity. Economy seats are equally impressive, offering generous width, ergonomic design and 13.3” 4K screens. Passengers can enjoy high-speed streaming, social media and live TV, supported by Viasat’s powerful connectivity system. Coupled with Etihad’s chauffeur service and new at-home check-in options, flying with the national carrier is now a bucket-list experience regardless of class.

Etihad’s A321LR enters service on 1 August 2025, with ten aircraft joining the fleet this year. The aircraft will fly from Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport to destinations including Algiers, Athens, Bangkok, Chennai, Chiang Mai, Copenhagen, Dusseldorf, Kolkata, Krabi, Medan, Milan, Paris, Phnom Penh, Phuket, Riyadh, Tunis and Zurich.