Qantas has operated the first commercial services with its new Airbus A321XLRs this morning, marking the aircraft’s debut in the Asia-Pacific and making Qantas the fourth airline globally to fly the type.
The inaugural services ran Sydney–Melbourne and Sydney–Perth, operated by the first two jets, Great Ocean Road (VH-OGA) and Outback Way (VH-OGB).
Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson called the milestone a cornerstone of the carrier’s fleet renewal program, highlighting customer upgrades (including free high-speed Wi-Fi) and the extended range that will open new domestic and short-haul international opportunities, particularly across Southeast Asia.
The A321XLR features a wider, longer cabin than previous-generation narrowbodies, with higher ceilings, larger windows and increased overhead capacity – enough for roughly 60% more bags compared with Qantas’ Boeing 737s, according to the airline.
Qantas also says the type burns less fuel per seat than the 737s it replaces, enabling lower per-seat emissions on like-for-like sectors.
The economy cabin sports a 3-3 layout with seats featuring 30” pitch (same as the 737), 17.6” width (slightly wider than the 737), extra comfort cushioning, a leather 6-way adjustable headrest, dual USB A & C charging ports, a drop-down tablet holder for personal devices, and an adjustable meal table.
There are 20 business class seats up front with a 2-2 layout, featuring 37” seat pitch, 5” seat recline, wireless charging pads, 6-way adjustable headrests, calf rests and footrests, dual USB A & C charging ports, in arm tray tables with a built-in tablet holder and extendable cocktail tables.
In August, the airline firmed an additional 20 A321XLRs; 16 of those will feature lie-flat Business seats for longer routes, including Perth transcontinental services and short-/medium-haul international flying.