Qantas’ first pair of Airbus A321XLRs have entered commercial service, marking a significant milestone in the Australian carrier’s fleet renewal plans.
The two jets, registered VH-OGA and VH-OGB, took off for their first commercial flights from Sydney to Melbourne and Perth respectively.
The Oneworld operator took delivery of its first A321XLR in June this year. It is the first carrier in Asia-Pacific to operate the type, and joins three other operators in Europe - Iberia, Wizz Air and Aer Lingus.
The A321XLRs, which will replace Qantas’ fleet of older 737-800s, will first operate domestic services, before being introduced to international routes. Qantas has hinted at deploying the aircraft on thinner routes between Australia and Southeast Asia.
The aircraft is configured to seat 197 passengers in two classes: 20 in business class and 177 in economy class.
The airline expects to receive its third A321XLR in November, with another four jets delivered by June 2026. Qantas has 48 A321XLRs on order, having announced an order top-up of 20 aircraft in August this year.
