The first Airbus A321XLR for Qantas is now on the final assembly line, and the first images of the aircraft with the iconic kangaroo on the tail have been revealed. This aircraft marks a historic milestone as it will be the first time the Australian airline incorporates a narrow-body aircraft from Airbus.
In images shared by Qantas, we can see the aircraft, registered as VH-OGA, named «Great Ocean Road,» almost fully assembled, with the winglets and tail painted in the airline’s colors. The aircraft, with serial number 12323, is the first of a total of 28 ordered and will be delivered to its owner in April 2025.
Reiterating the point, this represents another victory for Airbus over Boeing, as it marks the first time Qantas has opted for a narrow-body aircraft from the European manufacturer. Throughout its history, the Australian airline has operated two generations of Boeing 737 jets: the Classic series (-300 and -400) and the Next Generation series (-800).
According to the official statement from Qantas, the 28 A321XLRs ordered will replace the Group’s Boeing 737 fleet over the next decade, suggesting that the airline plans to exercise the purchase options included in the order. Undoubtedly, Boeing continues to lose ground in a booming market, as the company also chose Airbus A220s to replace Qantas Link’s Boeing 717 fleet.
The aircraft is expected to be delivered in April 2025, making Qantas the first operator of the A321XLR in the Asia-Pacific region. The initial routes for this model will be domestic, offering more seats than the Boeing 737-800 and 60% more luggage capacity.
Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson stated that «these new aircraft are part of the largest domestic fleet renewal program in Qantas’ history, bringing significant improvements for customers and career opportunities for our people.»
«The A321XLR is a fantastic aircraft, offering customers a more comfortable flight, and its extended range will eventually allow us to explore more nonstop routes and operate them more efficiently,» she added.
What will Qantas’ A321XLRs be like?
The new Airbus A321XLRs for Qantas will have a capacity of 197 passengers, with 20 Business class seats and 177 Economy class seats, representing a 13% increase in capacity without reducing seat pitch, and a 66% increase in the number of Premium seats.
The cabin has been designed by David Caon to maximize passenger comfort, with no changes to seat pitch and slightly wider seats compared to the 737. Its range of approximately 8,700 km opens up a broader spectrum of direct domestic routes and short-haul international destinations, such as Southeast Asia or the Pacific Islands.
Qantas’ A321XLRs will be powered by Pratt & Whitney Geared Turbo Fan (PW1100G-JM) engines, which reduce the aircraft’s noise footprint and consume 20% less fuel than the previous generation. Qantas invited its employees to contribute to naming the new A321XLR fleet after iconic Australian landmarks such as walks, rivers, and roads, as a nod to the opportunities for travel within Australia and the importance of connecting this vast landscape and beyond.
