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 for their first commercial flights.

The 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 said the A321XLR aircraft represented a significant milestone in the Group’s fleet renewal program.

“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.” Said Hudson.

 

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 3,000 km 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.

 

*The A321XLR enables reduced fuel burn and lower emissions per seat on like-for-like sectors compared to previous generation aircraft.