Airline company Qantas receives the A321XLR aircraft model.
The first Airbus A321XLR for Qantas, named "Great Ocean Road," has made history by embarking on the longest A321XLR flight ever operated by a commercial airline. This groundbreaking aircraft, the first of 28 on order for Qantas, departed from the Airbus facility in Hamburg, Germany, on June 30, 2025.
The flight from Hamburg to Sydney will be a monumental 42 hours door-to-door, with an impressive 21 hours of total flying time. This journey, covering more than 9,600 kilometres, will mark a significant milestone in aviation history.
Key features of the A321XLR include an extended long-range capability, suitable for longer domestic and transcontinental routes within Australia. The aircraft boasts a wider body, accommodating more passengers and luggage. While specific seating numbers for VH-OGA under Qantas have not been detailed, the Airbus A321XLR commonly carries around 180 to 200 passengers in a single-class configuration. Given Qantas' preference for comfort and two-class layouts, the capacity is likely in the vicinity of 170 to 190 seats.
The aircraft's cabin offers a number of improvements over previous models. Passengers can expect wider economy class seats, more seating in both economy and business classes, and larger windows than the Boeing 737. The cabin also includes ambient LED lighting, higher ceilings, and a more spacious interior. Additionally, the aircraft features the widest cabin of any narrowbody aircraft globally, with space for 60% more baggage.
Qantas Domestic CEO Markus Svensson expressed his excitement and pride over the delivery of the A321XLR, stating that it represents a strategic move to leverage the aircraft's longer range and efficient design. This will enable expanded route flexibility, especially for medium-haul domestic and regional flights.
The new aircraft type also marks another step toward more sustainable air travel. The A321XLR incorporates advanced lightweight materials and design technologies, enabling reduced fuel burn and lower emissions per seat on comparable routes versus previous-generation aircraft.
The delivery flight can be tracked on Flightradar24. During its journey, the aircraft will make a stopover in Bangkok, before continuing on to Sydney, a journey of over 7,600 kilometres.
AirlineRatings.com CEO Sharon Petersen commented that the A321XLR will open up new opportunities for the Qantas network, allowing it to fly further to destinations in Southeast Asia and the South Pacific, while remaining competitive for passengers. The passengers will benefit from greater overhead luggage space, a drop-down tablet holder with anti-slip mat, and slightly wider seat width compared to the 737s.
In summary, the A321XLR "Great Ocean Road" represents a significant leap forward for Qantas, offering extended range, improved efficiency, and a more comfortable travel experience. As the first of 28 A321XLRs for Qantas and Jetstar, this aircraft is set to revolutionize air travel, particularly for medium-haul domestic and regional flights.
The delivery of the A321XLR to Qantas marks a pivotal moment in aviation industry finance, signaling expanded route flexibility and increased competition within the aerospace technology sector. This game-changing aircraft, with its extended long-range capabilities and eco-friendly design, is poised to make a significant impact on the airline news and domestic travel landscape.
