The Qantas fleet renewal program is about to take a step forward with the Airbus A321XLR taking its first revenue flights. On Thursday 25 September, the first two, Great Ocean Road (VH-OGA) and Outback Way (VH-OGB), will take to the skies, carrying paying passengers for the first time.
On the day, the one aircraft will operate between Sydney and Perth, while the other will take on Sydney to Melbourne. TheA321XLR flights set down for 25 September are:
- QF645 – Sydney 10.35am – Perth 1.35pm
- QF650 – Perth 2.35pm – Sydney 8.40pm
- QF467 – Sydney 4.20pm – Melbourne 5.55pm
- QF484 – Melbourne 6.50pm – Sydney 8.15pm
Announcing the flights, Qantas Domestic CEO Markus Svensson says:
The inaugural commercial flight will take off from Sydney for Perth, giving customers the very first taste of the comfort, space and connectivity these aircraft bring,
These next generation aircraft mark an exciting new chapter for Qantas. We know many of our customers have been waiting for the opportunity to fly onboard these new aircraft, just as our teams have been looking forward to flying them.
Fleet Renewal and the A321XLR
As previously noted, the introduction of the A321XLR is part of the Qantas fleet renewal program. In particular, the A321XLR will gradually replace the current Boeing 737 fleet.
The move to a more modern aircraft allows Qantas to promise improvements to the passenger experience. For example, the aircraft will feature wider seats, larger overhead bins and free wifi/internet access.
While Qantas now have two of the aircraft, 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)
Final Words
They’ve been a few years coming, but it is good to see the A321XLR enter service. Over time, these will replace the current domestic workhorse – the Boeing 737. I’m certainly looking forward to flying on this new aircraft.
