The Qantas Fleet Renewal project took a step forward with the Airbus A321XLR aircraft taking off this morning for their first commercial flights.
As mentioned previously, the Airbus A321XLR is a new aircraft in the Qantas fleet and will ultimately replace the Boeing 737.
The two A321XLR aircraft, ‘Great Ocean Road’ (VH-OGA) and ‘Outback Way’ (VH-OGB), each operated their inaugural service. One flew from Sydney to Melbourne, while the other flew between Sydney and Perth.
The A321XLR
The A321XLR features a wider and longer cabin than the Boeing 737 it replaces. Indeed, it is larger all round. It has higher ceilings, larger windows, and space for around 60 percent more baggie than the aircraft it replaces. Even better, the A321XLR use less fuel per seat than the 737 it replaces, enabling a reduction in carbon emissions.
Launching commercial service of the A321XLR, Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson said
the A321XLR aircraft represented a significant milestone in the Group’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,
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.
Qantas currently has two of the A321XLR aircraft in its fleet. A third, Seven Peaks Walk (VH-OGC), is due in November. Following that, Qantas expect to have taken delivery of seven by the middle of 2026.
In total, Qantas have 48 A321XLR on order, and of those 16 will feature a ‘long-haul’ cabin. These aircraft will see lie-flat business seats, and seat back entertainment screens throughout.
That said, the current aircraft will have 20 business class recliners. These will be 25″ wide and be in the familiar 2-2 layout. Economy will feature 177 seats, in the also familiar 3-3 layout. (The initial aircraft will begin with 180 seats, but will be reconfigured with an extra toilet at a later stage)
