Qantas Launches Airbus A321XLR Fleet with Extended Range, Eco-Friendly Features Across Australia

Qantas has launched its first two Airbus A321XLR aircraft, marking a significant milestone in its fleet renewal program and making it the first airline in the Asia-Pacific and fourth globally to operate this model. The aircraft, named 'Great Ocean Road' and 'Outback Way', commenced inaugural flights between Sydney and Melbourne and Sydney and Perth, respectively, showcasing improved passenger comfort with wider seats, larger windows, higher ceilings, and faster Wi-Fi, along with 60% more baggage capacity compared to the Boeing 737s they replace. The A321XLR offers reduced fuel consumption and lower emissions per seat, supporting Qantas' sustainability goals while enabling longer domestic and short-haul international routes, including potential new destinations across Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. Qantas plans to expand its A321XLR fleet to seven by mid-2026, with a total order of 48 aircraft, some equipped with lie-flat business class seats for transcontinental and medium-haul international travel. The aircraft's introduction involved extensive preparation, including nearly 350 training flights and over 40,000 hours of crew and ground staff training. This fleet upgrade is part of Qantas' broader multibillion-dollar strategy to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency.