Qantas has officially received its first Airbus A321XLR aircraft, initiating a new chapter in the airline’s fleet modernisation strategy. The delivery took place at Airbus’ Hamburg facility, with Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson present to accept the aircraft.
“This is a transformative moment for Qantas. The A321XLR’s capabilities will allow us to open new routes and offer our customers greater comfort and efficiency,” said Hudson.
The A321XLR is designed for extended range operations, capable of flying up to 4,700 nautical miles. This range enables Qantas to operate non-stop flights on longer domestic routes and to new international destinations previously beyond the reach of single-aisle aircraft.
The aircraft features a two-class configuration with 20 business class seats and 177 economy seats. Passengers can expect wider seats, larger overhead bins, and enhanced in-flight entertainment options, including free Wi-Fi.
Qantas has ordered a total of 28 A321XLRs, with plans to integrate them into its fleet over the coming years. The new aircraft will gradually replace the airline’s existing Boeing 737-800s, aligning with Qantas’ commitment to sustainability and operational efficiency.
“The introduction of the A321XLR is a significant investment in our future. It supports our goals of reducing emissions and providing our customers with a superior flying experience,” Hudson added.
The A321XLR’s fuel efficiency and extended range are expected to offer Qantas greater flexibility in route planning and network expansion, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region.
Source: airbus.com
