Qantas Orders 20 New A321XLR Jets Featuring Lie-Flat Business Class

Qantas is taking a major leap forward in its fleet renewal program with the announcement of an order for 20 additional Airbus A321XLR aircraft, including a game-changing introduction of lie-flat Business seats on its narrow-body planes for the first time. This exciting expansion highlights the airline’s commitment to enhancing passenger comfort and opening new travel possibilities across Australia and beyond.

Out of the 20 new A321XLR aircraft ordered, 16 will feature lie-flat Business Class seating and seat-back entertainment screens, revolutionising long- and medium-haul travel on narrow-body jets. Scheduled to begin arriving in 2028, these aircraft will enable Qantas to offer plush, premium experiences on routes such as transcontinental Perth to the east coast and short to medium-haul international destinations, including expanded access to Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands.

Currently, Qantas operates two A321XLRs configured for domestic and short-haul international routes, servicing busy Sydney-Melbourne and Sydney-Perth sectors. It is set to be the first airline in the Asia Pacific to fly this next-generation aircraft. By the end of the current financial year, Qantas plans to have seven of these efficient, quieter, and longer-range planes in operation.

Enhanced Flying Experience and Expanded Network

According to Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson, the additional A321XLR aircraft represent a significant and strategic investment enabled by the airline’s robust financial performance. These new jets will accelerate the retirement of Qantas’ aging Boeing 737 fleet, ushering in more environmentally efficient aircraft that can fly up to 8,700 kilometres—over 3,000 km further than the 737s they replace.

This boosted range opens up exciting new direct flight possibilities to destinations that were previously out of reach, such as Perth to India and Adelaide to Singapore. For business travellers, the lie-flat Business seats combined with fast, free Wi-Fi and seat-back entertainment will deliver premium comfort and connectivity that matches long-haul standards right from domestic routes.

A Fleet Renewal Like No Other

The Group’s total confirmed aircraft orders now stand at 214, reflecting a massive multi-billion-dollar investment into modernising Qantas and Jetstar’s fleet. This year alone, 20 new aircraft will join the skies, with a further 29 expected in 2027, including planes dedicated to Qantas Freight. Alongside these orders, Airbus and Boeing purchase options provide flexibility for future growth.

Coming next is the eagerly anticipated Project Sunrise A350-1000ULR, with the first unit moving to Airbus’ final assembly line in October 2025 and deliveries starting from October 2026. The continuous introduction of new aircraft is already elevating customer satisfaction while boosting financial efficiency and reducing environmental impact.