Qantas Orders Airbus A321XLRs

Qantas is growing its commitment to the next-generation of Airbus aircraft, announcing a new landmark order.

The Australian flag-carrier says it’ll purchase an additional 20 Airbus A321XLR jets, a decision that comes shortly after taking delivery of the first unit, generating significant excitement.

Additionally, with this move, for the very first time as part of an overhaul to Qantas’ domestic network operations, lie-flat business class seats will be introduced on narrowbody jets.

The move will see more than half, 16 of the 20 additional A321XLRs, which have just been ordered, configured with the lie-flat business class seats and also entertainment screens.

Qantas says the move to configure the jets in this manner will enable the XLRs to serve longer routes, including transcontinental services to and from Perth, while also catering to some short to medium-haul routes where required.

Based on current delivery estimates, the airline expects to receive the A321XLRs from the latest batch and in the newest configuration from 2028 onwards, bringing the total number of orders for the XLR to 48 aircraft.

The broader Qantas Group is going big on the Airbus new engine option across its narrowbody division, with the XLRs expected to replace the Boeing 737. With more than 3,000 additional kilometres of range, the differences are staggering.

Qantas points to the capacity, efficiency, and range jumps as a key reason why it opted for this model over other available options. The XLRs are opening up the possibility of one-stop flying to Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands, routes that are not currently viable with the fleet’s makeup of older jets.

This order comes just a matter of weeks before the airline also expects to see its first A321XLRs enter scheduled passenger services, following a period of crew familiarisation.

The carrier intends to use the jet on routes between Sydney and Melbourne, as well as between Sydney and Perth, with flights commencing before additional aircraft are delivered. Other routes will also welcome the new era of the business.

While much attention is focused on Qantas’ use of this extra-long-range single-aisle, Jetstar also expects to take delivery of the first XLR in 2027, featuring a two-class layout designed solely to enable greater international connectivity in the future.

Qantas Comments On The New Order

Vanessa Hudson, the Qantas Group CEO, took the opportunity during the publication of the annual results to share comments on the outlook with the XLR and the order.

Hudson said the deal is one of its most significant and highlights the direction the Group wants to head moving forward, with billion-dollar investments following strong financial performances.

What the order means for the 737 fleet, unsurprisingly, is the accelerated retirement of this beloved aircraft; the new aircraft only opens up further exciting opportunities moving forward for the development of the route network.

Hudson says she’s excited about how the A321XLR will enhance connectivity, not just across the West and East coasts of Australia, but also on international routes, such as those to Southeast Asia.

What this means for cities such as Adelaide and Perth is huge, with the opportunity for the flag-carrier to deepen its international flying from these markets after much criticism over its lack of doing so in recent times.