1st Qantas Airbus A321XLRs will enter service this month: Here’s where they’ll fly
September 15, 2025
Qantas is set to operate its first Airbus A321XLR services later this month.
The flag carrier is introducing the new narrowbody aircraft on Sydney–Melbourne and Sydney–Perth routes from 25 September.
The inaugural flights will be operated by the airline’s first two aircraft, Great Ocean Road (VH-OGA) and Outback Way (VH-OGB).
A third A321XLR, Seven Peaks Walk (VH-OGC), is due for delivery in November, with seven aircraft expected by the end of the financial year.
Qantas inaugurates the Airbus A321XLR
Qantas has expanded its A321XLR order to 48 powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF engines, including 16 configured with lie-flat Business seats and seatback entertainment for longer sectors. That includes an order placed in June for 20 additional A321XLR aircraft.
The Sydney-based airline is the first in the Asia Pacific to operate the aircraft type.
Qantas Domestic CEO Markus Svensson said: “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.
“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.
“The extended flight range will also enable us to operate these aircraft on both domestic and short-haul international routes, including destinations across South East Asia and the Pacific Islands that are not currently viable with our current narrowbody fleet.”
Enabling longer, thinner routes with the XLR
The aircraft carries 197 passengers, 20 in business and 177 in economy, and has a range of 8,700 km, enabling new non-stop domestic and short-haul international services with improved fuel efficiency and lower noise levels.
Named after Australian walks, rivers, and roads, the fleet reflects Qantas’ focus on connecting communities across the continent, the carrier said.
The other main wholly-owned airline in the Qantas Group, Jetstar, has A321XLRs, which will begin to arrive from 2027 and will be fitted with a two-class cabin for medium-haul international travel.
Qantas’ fleet strategy
The introduction of the A321XLR is central to Qantas’s broader fleet renewal programme, the largest in its history.
The airline is progressively phasing out older Boeing 737s and Boeing 717s in favour of newer-generation aircraft that deliver lower emissions, greater efficiency, and an improved passenger experience.
Alongside the XLRs, the carrier is also inducting Airbus A220s for domestic and regional flying, providing flexibility on thinner routes.
For medium- and long-haul operations, Qantas is preparing for deliveries of Airbus A350-1000s as part of “Project Sunrise”, which will enable non-stop flights from Australia’s east coast to Europe and North America.
On average, the Qantas Group is receiving one new aircraft every three weeks over the next 3 years.
