Qantas Orders 20 Airbus A321XLRs, 16 Featuring Lie-Flat Business Seats

Qantas is accelerating its fleet renewal with an additional order for 20 Airbus A321XLR aircraft, boosting its total commitment to 48 jets. The move, supported by strong financial results, marks the first time Qantas narrowbody aircraft will feature lie-flat Business Class seats, elevating comfort for passengers on domestic transcontinental flights and short- to medium-haul international routes.

This A321XLR order, along with Qantas’ previous orders and 74 purchase options across the A220 and A320neo families, is intended to replace the airline’s Boeing 737-800 fleet.

Premium Narrowbody Upgrade

Of the 20 new aircraft, 16 A321XLRs will be fitted with lie-flat Business seats and seatback entertainment screens, delivering a premium product on longer domestic routes—such as Sydney to Perth—as well as short- and medium-haul international services across Asia and the Pacific. The aircraft will also feature high-speed, free Wi-Fi to ensure a consistent premium experience for passengers connecting to Qantas’ long-haul network.

The A321XLR’s range of up to 8,700 kilometers extends more than 3,000 km beyond the Boeing 737s they will replace, enabling new nonstop destinations that are currently out of reach. Potential future routes include Perth–India and Adelaide–Singapore, as well as expanded frequencies across Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands.

First Deliveries and Service Entry

Qantas’ first two A321XLRs, optimized for domestic and short-haul international routes, are scheduled to begin commercial flights in mid-September 2025. Initial services will include Sydney–Melbourne and Sydney–Perth, before expanding to other routes. By the end of FY25, Qantas expects to have seven A321XLRs in operation.

Jetstar, Qantas’ low-cost subsidiary, will begin receiving its A321XLRs from 2027. These aircraft will feature a two-class cabin tailored for international leisure travel.

CEO Commentary

Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson emphasized that the additional aircraft order reflects both customer demand and the airline’s strong financial position.

“Investing in new aircraft is one of the most significant ways we can provide our customers with a better flying experience, and these billion-dollar investments are possible because of our continued strong financial performance,” Hudson said.

“These additional A321XLRs will accelerate the retirement of our 737 fleet and open up new opportunities for domestic and international travel. The lie-flat Business seats, seatback screens, and fast, free Wi-Fi will provide a consistent premium experience for our customers.”

Hudson added that the A321XLR’s capabilities will benefit both corporate and leisure markets, from transcontinental business travel to new regional connections. “All of the next-generation aircraft joining our fleet bring longer range, more comfort, less noise, and better economics, while also creating new opportunities for our pilots, cabin crew, and engineers,” she said.

Fleet Overview

The Qantas Group now holds 214 firm aircraft orders, with 32 delivered as of June 30 2025. The First 3 A321XLR aircraft arrived in June 2025 with 180 economy seats. Deliveries are set to accelerate in the coming years, with 20 new aircraft arriving in FY26 and 29 in FY27, including 36 for Qantas, 10 for Jetstar, and three for Qantas Freight.

Additionally, Qantas’ first Project Sunrise Airbus A350-1000ULR is due to enter final assembly in October 2025, with deliveries beginning in late 2026, pending regulatory approval.

The fleet renewal is already contributing to improved customer satisfaction, better fuel efficiency, and enhanced financial performance for the Group, positioning Qantas for long-term growth across both domestic and international markets.


Related News: https://airguide.info/?s=qantas, https://airguide.info/?s=airbus-A321

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, qantasnewsroom.com.au