First Qantas A321XLRs Take to the Skies: Fleet Renewal Reaches New Heights

A new chapter in Australian aviation begins as Qantas welcomes commercial bookings on its inaugural Airbus A321XLR aircraft, accelerating its fleet renewal program and setting new standards for the flying experience. The first two A321XLRs, Great Ocean Road (VH-OGA) and Outback Way (VH-OGB), are set to lift off with passengers for the first time on Thursday 25 September, debuting on Sydney-Melbourne and Sydney-Perth routes. This historic launch, subject to regulatory approval, marks a transformative moment for Qantas and its loyal travellers.

A New Level of Comfort and Connectivity

Travellers booking the new A321XLRs can expect a significant upgrade. The aircraft boasts wider seats, larger windows, overhead bins with around 60% more bag capacity than the 737, and fast, free Wi-Fi—offering a more comfortable journey for every Qantas guest. Markus Svensson, Qantas Domestic CEO, emphasises that Qantas customers will be the first in Asia Pacific to experience what next-generation air travel truly means.

“The inaugural commercial flight will take off from Sydney for Perth, giving customers the very first taste of the comfort, space and connectivity these aircraft bring,” Mr Svensson shared. He added, “These next generation aircraft mark an exciting new chapter for Qantas. We know many of our customers have been waiting for the opportunity to fly onboard these new aircraft, just as our teams have been looking forward to flying them.”

Expanding Horizons with Extended Range

Thanks to increased range, the new A321XLRs will fly further than any previous Qantas narrowbody, supporting both domestic and short-haul international operations. Destinations across Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands—previously beyond reach—are now on the horizon, expanding options for Qantas travellers and enriching Australia’s connectivity.

Looking Ahead: Growth and Innovation

The third A321XLR, Seven Peaks Walk (VH-OGC), has rolled out in Hamburg and will join the Qantas fleet in November. By the end of the financial year, Qantas will operate seven of these advanced aircraft, as part of an order that has grown to 48 A321XLRs—including 16 configured with lie-flat Business seats and seat back entertainment screens for longer routes and transcontinental services.

Today’s announcement follows recent news of Qantas expanding its A321XLR order, reinforcing its commitment to modernising the fleet and enhancing the onboard experience for every guest.

Commercial flights launch on September 25, with these standout options:

• QF645: Sydney 10:35 am – Perth 1:35 pm
• QF650: Perth 2:35 pm – Sydney 8:40 pm
• QF467: Sydney 4:20 pm – Melbourne 5:55 pm
• QF484: Melbourne 6:50 pm – Sydney 8:15 pm

A321XLR: The Facts that Matter

The new Qantas A321XLRs are five metres longer than the 737, seating 197 passengers—20 in Business and 177 in Economy—representing a 13% increase in capacity with no reduction in seat space and a 66% boost in premium seats. Exceptional reach (up to 8,700 km) enables more direct routes, while quiet Pratt & Whitney engines mean a more peaceful ride. The A321XLR also delivers a smaller carbon footprint per seat than the aircraft it replaces.

As a tribute to iconic Aussie adventures, Qantas names the A321XLR fleet after Australia’s most celebrated walks, rivers, and roads—connecting travellers to the vast diversity of the land.

Bookings & Next Steps

Travellers eager to be among the first to fly this pioneering aircraft can now secure their seats at Qantas.com. As Qantas continues its bold renewal program, passengers can look forward to better comfort, greener operations, and even more destinations in the months ahead.