42 hours, 1 stop: Qantas A321XLR takes mega flight from Germany to Australia
June 30, 2025
The first Qantas Airbus A321XLR has taken off from Hamburg and is on its way to Sydney. The Australian carrier will become the launch operator for the aircraft type in Asia-Pacific.
The new-generation-single-aisle aircraft, named Great Ocean Road, was handed over at Airbus’ assembly facility in Finkenwerder, Hamburg on 24 June, 2025.
Demonstrating the aircraft’s extended range capabilities, the 42-hour delivery flight to Sydney includes just one planned crew rest stop in Bangkok.
According to the flight tracking site, Flightradar24, flight QF6041 departed Hamburg in the early hours on 30 June bound for the Thai capital.
The 5,200 nmi flight marks a milestone as the longest A321XLR flight operated by a commercial airline. The aircraft will then complete the final 4,100 nmi leg to Sydney where it is expected to arrive at 10am local time on 2 July.
Powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF engines, Qantas’ A321XLR is configured in a two-cabin class layout with 20 business class seats and 177 seats in the main cabin. The airline will initially deploy the aircraft across its domestic network in Australia. However, plans are afoot to add secondary routes across Asia in the future.
“We are proud to be the first A321XLR operator in Asia Pacific,” said Qantas Domestic CEO, Markus Svensson. “Its arrival will mark the beginning of a new chapter for Qantas and a significant step forward in enhancing the experience we offer our customers,” he continued.
How does Qantas intend to use the Airbus A321XLR?
Forming a key part of the Qantas Group’s fleet modernisation plan, the group has ordered a total of 40 Airbus A321XLRs to replace part of its Boeing 737 fleet.
Qantas will be allocated 28 of the new aircraft while the group’s low-cost subsidiary, Jetstar, will be allocated 12. The order is part of Qantas’ wider commitment for 128 single-aisle jets and 24 A350-1000 widebodies from the French manufacturer.
The latest evolution of the A320neo family, the A321XLR is designed to meet the demand for greater range and payload flexibility while reducing emissions by around 30% compared with previous-generation competitors.
Qantas is the fourth airline worldwide to take delivery of the A321XLR. Launch operator Iberia first took delivery in October 2024 and was followed by Aer Lingus in December last year and low-cost carrier Wizz Air in May 2025. To date Airbus has received 500 orders for the type.
