Story by Qantas, image from Airbus
Mascot, New South Wales, Australia, November 30, 2024 – Qantas is a step closer to receiving its first Airbus A321XLR with the aircraft entering the final assembly line at Airbus’ production facility in Hamburg, Germany.
This marks a significant milestone in the Group’s fleet renewal program, with the aircraft’s major airframe components including the forward and rear fuselage, wings and iconic Flying Kangaroo tail coming together.
The aircraft, which is scheduled to be delivered in April 2025, will be the first of 28 A321XLR aircraft on firm order (with purchase right options for more) as part of the progressive replacement of the Group’s fleet of Boeing 737s over the next decade. QantasLink is already operating the new A220 aircraft, with the fifth scheduled to enter into service by the end of the year.
Earlier this month, Iberia was the first airline globally to operate a commercial flight with the A321XLR. When the first of these next generation aircraft takes to Australian skies next year, Qantas customers will be the first in the Asia Pacific to experience the Airbus A321XLR.
The new aircraft type will initially operate on domestic flights currently operated by 737 aircraft. The new aircraft will offer a more comfortable flying experience for customers with wider seats, larger windows, fast, free Wi-Fi and overhead bins that allow for around 60 per cent more bags than the 737.
Click the link below to read the full press release!