Qantas has introduced its newest aircraft, with the first two Airbus A321XLR planes taking off on their inaugural commercial flights this morning.
The aircraft, named Great Ocean Road (VH-OGA) and Outback Way (VH-OGB), are operating between Sydney and Melbourne, and Sydney and Perth, respectively.
Qantas is the first airline in the Asia Pacific region to operate the A321XLR and the fourth globally.
The aircraft feature a wider and longer cabin than previous narrowbody planes, with wider seats, higher ceilings, larger windows, fast and free Wi-Fi, and space for around 60 per cent more baggage compared to Qantas’ Boeing 737s. They also use less fuel per seat than the 737, helping reduce carbon emissions.
Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson said the A321XLR represented a major milestone in the airline’s fleet renewal program.
“Seeing our A321XLRs take to the skies with customers for the first time is a proud moment for everyone involved and testament to the incredible efforts of the teams across Qantas and Airbus,” Hudson said.
“Investing in next generation aircraft is the most significant way we can elevate the travel experience for our customers and our people. We have already seen a significant improvement in customer satisfaction on our new A220s and Jetstar’s new aircraft.
“The extended flight range enables us to operate these aircraft on both domestic and short haul international routes, including destinations across South East Asia that are not viable with our current narrowbody fleet.
“Preparing for these commercial flights has taken an enormous effort, with nearly 350 training flights and more than 40,000 hours of training completed, as well as thousands of pieces of equipment deployed across our network.
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“We look forward to introducing our A321XLRs on other domestic and international routes as more aircraft join our fleet.”
Qantas’ third A321XLR is expected to arrive in November, with the fleet set to grow to seven by June 2026.
In August, the airline announced an order for 20 additional A321XLR aircraft, including 16 fitted with lie-flat Business seats for longer routes, such as transcontinental services to and from Perth, as well as short and medium haul international flights. This brings Qantas’ total A321XLR order to 48.
The aircraft form part of Qantas’ largest-ever fleet renewal, which includes more than 200 aircraft on firm order, along with additional purchase rights with Airbus and Boeing to provide flexibility for future growth.
A321XLR facts
Qantas’ A321XLRs are five metres longer than the 737-800 and seat 197 passengers (20 Business seats and 177 Economy), a 13 per cent increase in capacity and a 66 per cent increase in Business seats.
The aircraft can fly approximately 8,700 km, around 3,000 km further than the 737-800, opening up a wider range of direct domestic and short- to medium-haul international routes.
Powered by Pratt & Whitney Geared Turbo Fan engines (PW1100G-JM), the aircraft use advanced lightweight materials and next-generation design to reduce fuel burn and emissions per seat.
The aircraft are named after Australian walks, rivers and roads, reflecting iconic travel opportunities across the country.
