Qantas has reached a key milestone in its fleet renewal program as its first Airbus A321XLR enters the final assembly line at Airbus’ production facility in Hamburg, Germany.

This stage marks the integration of major airframe components, including the forward and rear fuselage, wings, and the distinctive Flying Kangaroo tail, bringing the aircraft closer to its anticipated delivery in April 2025. This will be the first of 28 A321XLRs on firm order, with additional purchase rights, as Qantas begins replacing its Boeing 737 fleet over the next decade.

The A321XLR is part of the Qantas Group’s broader fleet update, which has already introduced the A220 to QantasLink operations, with the fifth A220 expected to enter service by year’s end.

A New Era for Qantas and the Asia Pacific

Earlier this month, Iberia became the first airline to operate a commercial flight with the A321XLR. When Qantas launches its first A321XLR in 2025, it will make history as the first airline in the Asia Pacific to offer this next-generation aircraft to passengers.

Initially, the A321XLR will serve domestic routes currently operated by Boeing 737s. Passengers can look forward to enhanced comfort, including wider seats, larger windows, more spacious overhead bins (accommodating 60% more baggage than the 737), and fast, free Wi-Fi.

Preparing for the Future

Qantas is gearing up for the arrival of its first A321XLR with significant investments in engineering and training. Nearly 800 pieces of new tooling have been acquired, and pilots are undergoing intensive simulator training, clocking up to 60 hours before taking the controls of the new aircraft.

Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson highlighted the importance of this milestone, saying:
“These new aircraft are part of the largest domestic fleet renewal in Qantas’ history, delivering significant benefits for our customers and career opportunities for our team.

“The A321XLR is a game-changer, offering a more comfortable experience and enabling longer non-stop routes operated more efficiently. It also means new roles, training, and promotion opportunities for over 240 pilots in the next three years.”

Inside the Assembly Line

• The A321XLR’s major components are sourced from specialist factories across Europe, including France, Spain, Germany, and the UK.

• Assembly at Airbus’ Finkenwerder facility in Hamburg takes around a month, including fuselage, tail, and wing integration, engine installation, and painting.

• The aircraft’s tail is painted before the rest of the airframe due to its complex design.

Key Features of Qantas’ A321XLR

• Capacity: Seats 197 passengers (20 in Business, 177 in Economy) with no reduction in seat pitch and a 13% increase in total seating.

• Range: Offers a range of 8,700 km, 3,000 km farther than the Boeing 737, enabling new direct routes across Australia and to Southeast Asia and Pacific Islands.

• Efficiency: Equipped with Pratt & Whitney Geared Turbo Fan engines for lower fuel burn and reduced noise levels compared to previous-generation aircraft.

• Design: Passenger-focused cabin designed by David Caon, featuring slightly wider seats than the 737.

Celebrating Australia

To honor the airline’s Australian heritage, Qantas employees are naming the new fleet after iconic Australian walks, rivers, and roads. The first aircraft, registered as VH-OGA, will proudly bear the name Great Ocean Road.

With the Airbus A321XLR, Qantas is setting a new standard for domestic and regional travel, offering customers enhanced comfort, greater efficiency, and expanded route possibilities.