Qantas receives delivery of A321XLR aircraft
The first Airbus A321XLR for Qantas, registered as VH-OGA and named 'Great Ocean Road', embarked on a historic journey on June 30, 2025. This aircraft, a key step in Qantas' fleet renewal program, departed from the Airbus facility in Hamburg, Germany, and is now on its way to Sydney, Australia.
The journey from Hamburg to Sydney will cover over 7,600 kilometres and is expected to arrive at Sydney Airport shortly after 10am on Wednesday, 2 July. The flight, QF6041, will make history as the longest A321XLR flight ever, surpassing the 9,600 kilometres from Hamburg to Bangkok.
The A321XLR features a two-class cabin with 197 seats, offering about 13% more capacity than the Boeing 737-800s it replaces. It boasts a range of 8,700 kilometres, the longest of any narrowbody aircraft, unlocking new opportunities for the national carrier.
The cabin of the A321XLR is wider with bigger windows and offers 60% more overhead luggage space compared to the 737-800, improving passenger comfort and storage capacity. Business class is configured in a 2-2 layout with larger seats and power outlets, while economy offers USB-C outlets. Instead of seatback entertainment screens, passengers can use complimentary fast Wi-Fi and stream entertainment on personal devices.
The aircraft is 5 metres longer than the 737-800s it replaces, maintaining legroom while increasing premium seating by 66%. It achieves about 30% lower fuel consumption per seat than the 737-800, translating into significant operational cost savings and reduced environmental impact, aligning with Qantas’ net-zero emissions target by 2050.
The A321XLR allows Qantas to serve underserved regional and short-haul international routes more economically, optimising the use of its widebody fleet for ultra-long-haul flights. This delivery marks the first of 28 A321XLRs Qantas has on order.
More than 45,000 hours of training have been completed across the organisation in preparation for the new aircraft. Nearly 1,000 team members, including pilots, cabin crew, engineers, and ground staff, have been trained for the new aircraft.
The flight from Hamburg to Bangkok and then to Sydney will cover more than 17,200 kilometres in total. The A321XLR includes ambient LED lighting, higher ceilings, and a more spacious interior, enhancing the passenger experience.
This delivery signifies a new era of efficient, longer-range single-aisle operations in the Asia-Pacific region. Qantas’ A321XLR 'Great Ocean Road' combines increased capacity, enhanced passenger comfort, extended range, improved fuel efficiency, and network flexibility, modernising the domestic and short-haul fleet while advancing sustainability goals.
- The flight of Qantas' A321XLR 'Great Ocean Road' is setting a new standard in the airline industry, with its extended range and improved fuel efficiency, marking a significant leap in the finance and aerospace sector.
- As the A321XLR from Qantas revolutionizes the industry with its advanced technology, the fleet's modernization will not only boost the company's sustainability efforts but also reshape the competitive landscape in the aerospace and airline news sector.
