Qantas A321XLR fleet takes to the skies with first commercial flights

Qantas is celebrating the launch of its newest aircraft, with its first two next-generation Airbus A321XLR aircraft taking off this morning for their first commercial flights. Two A321XLR aircraft, ‘Great Ocean Road’ (VH-OGA) and ‘Outback Way’ (VH-OGB), are operating their inaugural commercial services between Sydney and Melbourne and Sydney and Perth respectively. Qantas is the first airline in the Asia Pacific region to fly the new aircraft type, and the fourth airline globally.

The A321XLR features a wider and longer cabin than previous generation narrowbody aircraft, with wider seats, higher ceilings, larger windows, fast and free Wi-Fi and space for around 60 per cent more bags than Qantas’ Boeing 737s. The A321XLR use less fuel per seat than the 737 it replaces, enabling a reduction in carbon emissions.

Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson commented:“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. We look forward to introducing our A321XLRs on other domestic and international routes as more aircraft join our fleet.”

Qantas’ third aircraft is expected to arrive in November, with the fleet to grow to seven by June 2026. In August, Qantas announced an order for an additional 20 A321XLR aircraft, including lie-flat Business seats on 16 aircraft to serve longer routes, including transcontinental services to and from Perth, and short and medium haul international routes.

This takes Qantas’ current A321XLR order to 48 aircraft.The aircraft is a key part of the Qantas Group’s largest ever fleet renewal program, with more than 200 aircraft on firm order and additional purchase right options with both Airbus and Boeing providing flexibility for future growth.

A321XLR facts

• Qantas A321XLRs are five metres longer than the 737-800 and will seat 197 passengers (20 Business seats and 177 Economy seats) – an increase of 13 per cent in total seat capacity with no reduction in space between seats and a 66 per cent increase in Business seats
• It can fly approximately 8,700 km – around 3,000km further than the 737-800 – and opens a wider range of direct domestic and short and medium haul international routes.
• Qantas A321XLRs are powered by Pratt & Whitney Geared Turbo Fan engines (PW1100G-JM).
• The A321XLR incorporates advanced lightweight materials and next-generation design technologies that enable reduced fuel burn and lower emissions per seat on like‑for-like sectors compared to previous generation aircraft.
• Qantas’ A321XLR aircraft are named after Australian walks, rivers and roads, as a nod to the iconic travel opportunities across Australia and the importance of connecting our vast landscape.