Qantas Previews First A321XLR as Part of Fleet Renewal
Qantas has unveiled a sneak peek of its first Airbus A321XLR, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s fleet renewal program. The aircraft, currently entering the final assembly line at Airbus’ Finkenwerder facility in Hamburg, Germany, will be delivered in April 2025. It is the first of 28 A321XLR aircraft on order, designed to progressively replace the airline’s aging fleet of Boeing 737s over the next decade.
The A321XLR is an important addition to the Qantas Group’s operations, bringing with it key improvements in efficiency and passenger comfort. The aircraft will feature a longer range, enabling the airline to explore more non-stop routes, which will be operated more efficiently. When it begins service, Qantas customers will be the first in the Asia Pacific region to experience the A321XLR, with the first aircraft to arrive, registered VH-OGA, named “Great Ocean Road.”
The aircraft’s major components, including the forward and rear fuselage, wings, and the iconic Flying Kangaroo tail, are now coming together as part of the final assembly process. The A321XLR’s enhanced design also allows it to carry more passengers, seating 197 in total—20 in business class and 177 in economy—an increase of 13% in seat capacity. Additionally, the aircraft offers a 66% increase in premium seats, without compromising space between the seats.
Qantas is also preparing its workforce for the new aircraft’s arrival. Nearly 800 pieces of new tooling have been received by Qantas engineering, and pilot training is well underway. Pilots are set to complete up to 60 hours in the simulator before they take to the flight deck, with plans to train over 240 pilots on the A321XLR over the next three years.
Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson praised the aircraft, emphasizing its contributions to the airline’s fleet modernization and its benefits for passengers and employees alike. “These new aircraft are part of the biggest domestic fleet renewal program in Qantas’ history, which will bring significant improvements for customers and create more career opportunities for our people,” Hudson said.
Qantas will join Iberia as one of the first airlines globally to operate the A321XLR, following Iberia’s historic transatlantic flight with the aircraft on November 14, 2024. Powered by Pratt & Whitney Geared Turbo Fan engines (PW1100G-JM), the A321XLR’s enhanced performance will provide Qantas with greater operational flexibility as it continues to modernize its fleet and expand its network.
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