Qantas reaches milestone as first Airbus A321XLR enters final assembly

Qantas is preparing for the arrival of its first A321XLR with investments in engineering and training. Nearly 800 pieces of new tooling have been acquired, and pilots are undergoing intensive simulator training before taking control of the new aircraft.

Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson emphasized this milestone's importance: "These new aircraft are part of the largest domestic fleet renewal in Qantas’ history, delivering significant benefits for our customers and career opportunities for our team."

Hudson added: "The A321XLR is a game-changer, offering a more comfortable experience and enabling longer non-stop routes operated more efficiently. It also means new roles, training, and promotion opportunities for over 240 pilots in the next three years."

The major components of the A321XLR are sourced from specialist factories across Europe. Assembly at Airbus' Finkenwerder facility takes around a month.

Key features of Qantas' A321XLR include seating capacity for 197 passengers (20 in Business class), an extended range of 8,700 km allowing new direct routes across Australia and Southeast Asia, increased efficiency with Pratt & Whitney Geared Turbo Fan engines reducing fuel burn and noise levels compared to previous-generation aircraft.

To honor its Australian heritage, Qantas employees are naming their new fleet after iconic Australian landmarks. The first aircraft will bear the name Great Ocean Road.

With these advancements, Qantas aims to set a new standard for domestic and regional travel by offering enhanced comfort and greater efficiency.