Qantas has opened bookings for its first two Airbus A321XLR aircraft, as it expands its fleet renewal efforts.
Its first A321XLRs will begin flights on the airline’s Sydney-Melbourne and Sydney-Perth routes on 25 September, following approval by regulators. The A321XLRs seat 197 passengers, with 13% more seats than Qantas’ current Boeing 737s.
“These next generation aircraft mark an exciting new chapter for Qantas. We know many of our customers have been waiting for the opportunity to fly onboard these new aircraft, just as our teams have been looking forward to flying them,” said Qantas domestic CEO Markus Svensson.
“The extended flight range will also enable us to operate these aircraft on both domestic and short haul international routes, including destinations across South East Asia and the Pacific Islands that are not currently viable with our current narrowbody fleet.”
These A321XLR aircraft feature 66% more premium seats, according to Qantas. The overhead lockers can accommodate 60% more bags.
The A321XLR’s range is also around 3,000 kilometres further than the Boeing 737.
A third A321XLR is set to arrive in November. Qantas expects to have seven A321XLR aircraft by the end of June 2026.
Qantas said last month that it had ordered an additional 20 A321XLRs, bringing its total to 48. While 16 of these aircraft will include lie-flat seats and entertainment screens to target longer routes, these will not be available until 2028.
Jetstar will also begin receiving A321XLRs from 2027.
Across aircraft types, Qantas has ordered 214 new planes in its bid to overhaul its fleet. The airline said 32 had been delivered by the end of June 2025, with 20 more deliveries expected by June 2026.
