Qantas Welcomes First A321XLR in Sydney

Qantas has officially taken delivery of its first Airbus A321XLR, marking a major milestone in the airline’s fleet renewal and long-haul capability for narrowbody aircraft. The jet, registered VH-OGA and named ‘Great Ocean Road’, landed at Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport on July 1, 2025, after a two-leg journey from Airbus’ production site in Hamburg, Germany.

The aircraft departed from Finkenwerder on June 30 and made a scheduled stopover at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport before completing a nine-hour flight to Sydney. It is the first of 28 A321XLR aircraft on order by Qantas and is expected to gradually replace the older Boeing 737s currently operating across the network.

Designed for long-haul routes, the A321XLR offers a maximum range of 4,700 nautical miles and a flight time of up to 11 hours. This new capability enables Qantas to operate nonstop services to more destinations across the Asia-Pacific region using a single-aisle aircraft, increasing network flexibility and fuel efficiency.

Qantas has ordered a total of 28 Airbus A321XLRs as part of a strategic plan to gradually replace its aging Boeing 737 fleet. The new aircraft are configured with 20 business class seats and either 177 or 180 economy seats. This layout, combined with the aircraft’s extended range, positions Qantas to serve both domestic routes and key international markets in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands more efficiently.

The aircraft’s two-class configuration includes 20 business class seats and up to 180 seats in economy class. Compared to the Boeing 737, the A321XLR features a wider cabin, larger windows, and 60% more baggage space, significantly improving the passenger experience.

The delivery of the A321XLR signals the start of a new era for Qantas as it expands its fleet with more fuel-efficient and passenger-friendly aircraft tailored for long-distance regional operations. Additional A321XLRs are expected to join the fleet in the coming years as Qantas strengthens its regional and international connectivity.

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