Qantas is one step closer to receiving its first Airbus A321XLR, as the aircraft has now entered the final assembly line at Airbus’ production facility in Hamburg, Germany.
This development marks a major milestone in the Qantas Group’s fleet renewal programme, with key airframe components such as the forward and rear fuselage, wings, and the iconic Flying Kangaroo tail coming together.
Scheduled for delivery in April 2025, this aircraft will be the first of 28 A321XLRs on firm order, with purchase rights for additional units. These will progressively replace the Group’s ageing Boeing 737 fleet over the next decade. Meanwhile, QantasLink continues to expand its operations with the A220, with the fifth aircraft set to enter service by the end of this year.
Earlier in November, Iberia became the first airline globally to operate a commercial flight with the A321XLR. When Qantas’ inaugural A321XLR begins service next year, Australian travellers will be the first in the Asia-Pacific region to experience this cutting-edge aircraft.
Initially deployed on domestic routes currently serviced by 737s, the A321XLR promises an enhanced customer experience, offering wider seats, larger windows, fast and free Wi-Fi and overhead bins with 60% more capacity for luggage than its predecessor.
In preparation for the aircraft’s arrival, Qantas Engineering has received nearly 800 new tools and pilot training is well underway. Pilots will undergo up to 60 hours in the new simulator before taking command in the cockpit.
Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson highlighted the milestone, attributing it to over two years of meticulous planning and collaboration across multiple teams.
“These new aircraft are part of the biggest domestic fleet renewal programme in Qantas’ history, which is bringing significant improvements for customers and career opportunities for our people” Hudson said.
“The A321XLR is a fantastic aircraft, which provides a more comfortable flight for customers and the longer range will in time give us the opportunity to explore more non-stop routes and operate them more efficiently.
“New aircraft mean more jobs, training and promotion opportunities for our people and we’ll be training more than 240 pilots on the new aircraft over the next three years.”
