Jetliner manufacturer Airbus delivers A321XLR to Australia's Qantas Airways
**Qantas' Groundbreaking A321XLR Makes History with Longest Commercial Flight**
Qantas has made aviation history with the delivery of its first Airbus A321XLR, named *Great Ocean Road*, which completed the longest commercial A321XLR flight ever recorded. The aircraft's delivery flight, operated by Qantas Domestic CEO Markus Svensson, marked a significant milestone in the airline's commitment to fleet modernization and expanding its route network.
The record-breaking journey began at Airbus’ Hamburg facility, with the first leg covering over 9,600 kilometers (the longest single A321XLR flight recorded) from Hamburg to Bangkok. The second leg added approximately 7,600 kilometers, taking the total journey to about 17,200 kilometers (10,995 miles) in actual flight track. The door-to-door journey spanned 42 hours, with 21 hours of flight time.
AirlineRatings.com CEO Sharon Petersen commented on the A321XLR, highlighting its potential for expanding Qantas' network and improving passenger experience. The A321XLR is the longest of any narrowbody aircraft, with a range of 8,700 kilometres, and features the widest cabin of any narrowbody aircraft globally. The cabin includes space for 60% more baggage, wider economy class seats, more seating in both economy and business classes, and larger windows than the Boeing 737.
The A321XLR also includes ambient LED lighting, higher ceilings, and a more spacious interior, providing passengers with an enhanced travel experience. Nearly 1,000 team members, including pilots, cabin crew, engineers, and ground staff, have been trained for the A321XLR to ensure the highest safety and operational standards.
The new aircraft type marks another step toward more sustainable air travel, incorporating advanced lightweight materials and design technologies for reduced fuel burn and lower emissions per seat on comparable routes versus previous-generation aircraft. Qantas has already completed over 45,000 hours of training across the organization in preparation for the new aircraft.
Flight QF6041, operated by the new A321XLR, will make history as the longest A321XLR flight ever operated by a commercial airline. The delivery flight can be tracked on Flightradar24. On 2 July, 2025, Qantas' first A321XLR, VH-OGA Great Ocean Road, is scheduled to arrive in Sydney, following its departure from the Airbus facility in Hamburg, Germany.
The Airbus A321XLR delivered to Qantas is the first of 28 on order, designed to replace older Boeing 737-800s and open new long-range routes that don’t require a widebody aircraft. This delivery flight not only showcases the A321XLR’s impressive long-range narrowbody capabilities but also underscores Qantas’ commitment to fleet modernization and expanding its route network in domestic and regional markets.
The historic delivery of Qantas' Airbus A321XLR, named Great Ocean Road, marks a significant advancement in the airline industry's finance and technology sectors, as the aircraft's long-range capabilities and modern design support Qantas' aim to modernize its fleet and expand its route network. Furthermore, the aerospace industry celebrates this milestone, as the A321XLR's long-range capacity stands to revolutionize commercial air travel, reshaping both the airline news and finance landscapes.
