In 2022, the Qantas Group locked in a major fleet renewal program, with the Red Roo making the switch from Boeing to Airbus for its next generation of planes. While that’s a complex decision from an operational and training standpoint, Qantas is betting that the short-term pain will pay off handsomely.
With QantasLink A220’s already carrying passengers and Project Sunrise A350-1000ULR’s delayed until mid-2026, the Airbus A321XLRs are next to be delivered. Qantas is due to receive an initial batch of 28 Airbus A321XLR’s, with the Flying Kangaroo targeting a 13 April 2025 delivery for the first jet.
These new narrowbodies are a direct replacement for the existing Boeing 737-800s, of which Qantas operates 75. Over the next decade, these older jets will exit the fleet as newer jets continue to arrive.
Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson explained the A321XLR would be a fantastic addition to the fleet, increasing both comfort for passengers and versatility for the airline.
“Qantas will be one of the first airlines in the world to operate the A321XLR and ahead of the arrival of our first aircraft next year, we’ve started pilot training and finalised the details of the customer experience.”
“Nearly half of all the customers Qantas carries each year travel on our 737 fleet so the A321XLR aircraft that we’ve ordered to replace them will be incredibly important for our future.”
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Qantas Has 28 Airbus A321XLRs On Order
In 2019, The Qantas Group inked their initial order for the Airbus A321XLR, the longest-range single-aisle aircraft in the world. That order had the option to go to Qantas or Jetstar, and in 2022 Qantas announced that they would take on 28 A321XLR’s.
While Qantas first expected to take delivery of the A321XLR in late 2024, that timeline has now been pushed back to April 2025.
This is the latest jet in the A321 lineup, with the XLR (Xtra Long Range) boosting flying distance to 4,700nm, even further than that of the previous LR (Long Range) option. Airbus’ secret weapon to unlock that range is an enlarged centre fuel tank below the wings, and a new Rear Center Tank that is fully integrated into the fuselage. This replaces the Additional Centre Tanks in the cargo hold of the A321LR.
Qantas’ incoming modern jets also feature fuel-saving Pratt & Whitney PW1100G engines, which help the A321XLR generate less carbon emissions per seat than the B737 it replaces. These engines are also significantly quieter, something passengers have already noticed on the QantasLink A220, which utilises slightly smaller versions of the same jet. The downside to Qantas’ selected engine is that the PW1100G has been plagued with issues, including misaligned parts, premature wearing and contaminated metals.
Where Will Qantas Fly The A321XLR?
Qantas has high hopes for its new aircraft, with plans to operate the A321XLR on domestic hops within Australia, as well as across the ditch to New Zealand, out to the Pacific Islands and as far afield as Southeast Asia. During its introduction, the new jet will simply take over Qantas’ existing Boeing 737 routes.
As the A321XLR fleet grows in size, Qantas plans to take advantage of the improved range, opening up new Australian domestic and short-haul international routes. The airline has highlighted Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands as possible new markets for the narrowbody jet.
Qantas A321XLR Cabin Details
The A321XLR is five metres longer than the B737-800 Qantas will slowly retire, also boasting the world’s widest single-aisle cabin. Qantas’ new jets will seat 197 passengers, with 20 Business and 177 Economy seats. That’s a 13% increase in capacity over the 737 and a 66% boost to premium seating. It’s also achieved “with no reduction in space between seats,” according to the Flying Kangaroo.
But Qantas’ first three A321XLRs will have three extra Economy seats for a total of 200 passengers. Aircraft four and onwards will likely add an additional lavatory, cutting a block of three seats in the process. Why Qantas won’t fit that toilet on the first three jets is still a mystery.
Qantas A321XLR Business
As we’ve covered, the A321XLR offers an impressive range, which is why most airlines have selected lie-flat Business Class beds for those longer routes. Some carriers like American, Iberia, JetBlue, Saudia and United will receive their A321XLR’s with Business Suites and even closing doors.
That’s not the case for Qantas, who have opted for brown leather recliners, citing their new jets will be operating mostly short flights. That’s still disappointing for trans-con journeys to Perth and planned new routes up into Southeast Asia.
Qantas’ A321XLR Business is near identical to the Recaro CL4710 fitted to the QantasLink A220, albeit resized to fit the larger Airbus. Although lie-flats would be nice, these recliners are proven to be quite comfortable.
Qantas A321XLR Business Class seat features;
- 37” seat pitch
- 5” seat recline
- Adjustable headrest
- Calfrest and footrest
- Wireless charging pad
- USB-A and USB-C charging ports
- In arm tray table with tablet holder
- Seatback device holder
- Extendable cocktail table
Qantas A321XLR Economy
Just like up the front, Qantas’ A321XLR Economy seating has been upsized from the Recaro BL3710 found onboard QantasLink A220’s.
Qantas A321XLR Economy Class seat features;
- 30” seat pitch (same as 737)
- 17.6” seat width (0.4” wider than 737)
- Extra comfort seat cushioning
- Adjustable headrest
- USB-A and USB-C charging ports
- Seatback device holder
Qantas A321XLR IFE & WiFi
Qantas plans to offer fast and free WiFi onboard the A321XLR, but like most incoming jets, there are no seatback screens. Inflight entertainment is instead streamed to your personal device.
Qantas A321XLR Names
From towns and landmarks to natural wonders, Qantas aircraft have always celebrated what’s special about Australia. Continuing this tradition, Qantas will use a Walks, Rivers and Roads naming convention for its incoming A321XLR fleet.
The first jet will be named after one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives, the Great Ocean Road. Winding 240 kilometres along the Victorian coastline, through scenic headlands, rainforests and beaches, the road represents regional Australia at its best.
Qantas A321XLR Timeline
While Qantas expected to take delivery of its first A321XLR in late 2024, manufacturing delays have pushed that date to April 2025. Here’s how Qantas’ Airbus A321XLR entry into service is expected to play out;
- June 2024: A321XLR simulator delivered
- August 2024: Pilot training commences
- September 2024: Assembly line production
- November 2024: Flight testing of first aircraft
- December 2024: Cabin crew training continues with cabin mockups
- Early 2025: First aircraft arrives
- Early 2025: Crew training and CASA proving flights begin
- 2025: First aircraft enters commercial service
