Quantcast

Qantas receives first Airbus A321XLR; begins long-haul delivery flight

European air traffic warning means summer delays for holidaymakers
The EU rule change that could affect millions of Brits when their flight is delayed or cancelled
Delta Earnings Land Soon. Why They’re Key for Airline Stocks and the Economy.
Avelo Airlines to Operate Deportation Flights, Hiring Flight Attendants
Travel chaos 2025: all the strikes and disruption expected across Europe
United receives FAA approval for first Starlink-equipped planes
Qantas launches mammoth Asia flight sale including Bali and Japan
New Update from Air Canada, WestJet, American Airlines, Delta, United, Southwest, Alaska, JetBlue Airways, and Sunwing: Airline Capacity Between Canada and US Slashed as Bookings Plummet Seventy Per Cent
Delta Cuts Two Domestic Routes
United Airlines Technicians Reject ‘Dead on Arrival’ Contract Proposal, Teamsters Say
The State of the Asia Pacific Airline Industry
Spirit Airlines to add Detroit nonstop flight out of Bradley International Airport
Major airline to launch new direct flights from Scotland to North America
Ryanair launches new ‘prime’ membership which saves passengers more than £400 a year
Judge Orders Boeing to Trial on 737 MAX Case
Qantas’ free international Wi-Fi to switch on from next week
The real reason Southwest is charging for bags now
Air France-KLM in ongoing talks with Air Europa on potential stake, CEO says
Frontier Savagely Shades Southwest After They Eliminated Longstanding Free Bag Policy, Sparking Backlash
Frontier Wants You to 'Divorce Your Old Airline' After Southwest Changes
Delta named one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies for sustainability initiatives
Passengers escape fiery American Airlines jet in Denver
Delta, American Dive On Slashed Outlooks; But Two Airlines Rally
Competitors are circling Southwest after the airline announced it's going to start charging for checked bags
Exclusive: Dominican Low-Cost Carrier Arajet Wants to Disrupt NYC Market
Boeing deliveries rise 63% in February from a year earlier
Transportation Secretary Duffy Lays Out 10 Ways the FAA Is Working to Upgrade Air Traffic Control and Make Flying Safer
EasyJet pilot Paul Elsworth suspended after flying too close to mountain
Delta Air Lines bets on ‘blended-wing’ flight to reduce emissions
Europe's airlines pivot to bite size M&A deals to limit cost, regulatory burden
Qantas receives first Airbus A321XLR; begins long-haul delivery flight
Policy
Webp markus svensson
Markus Svensson CEO of Qantas Domestic | Qantas

Qantas has officially received its first Airbus A321XLR, marking a significant milestone as the first Asia-Pacific airline to operate this long-range narrowbody aircraft. The delivery flight is currently underway from Airbus's Hamburg facility to Sydney, with a scheduled stop in Bangkok. This journey exemplifies the aircraft's capabilities, covering over 8,000 kilometers between Hamburg and Bangkok in one stretch.

The A321XLR is expected to enhance Qantas's operational efficiency and flexibility. Registered as VH-OGA and operating under flight number QF6041, the aircraft departed from Finkenwerder around 09:00 local time and is set to arrive in Bangkok at 00:20 on July 1. The planned route will exceed 9,000 kilometers, making it the longest commercial flight for an A321XLR to date. After Bangkok, the plane will continue to Sydney, completing more than 7,600 kilometers and arriving shortly after 10:00 local time on Wednesday.

Powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF engines, the A321XLR is part of the A320neo family and offers a range of up to 4,700 nautical miles (8704 km). It promises a 30% reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions compared to older single-aisle models. Markus Svensson, CEO of Qantas Domestic, stated: "We are proud to be the first A321XLR operator in Asia Pacific, and its arrival will mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Qantas and a significant step forward in enhancing the experience we offer our customers."

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

This delivery is part of Qantas's fleet renewal program which includes orders for 28 A321XLRs. Across the group, there are plans for a total of 40 XLRs with Jetstar receiving 12 units. Additionally, Qantas has pending orders for other Airbus models including single-aisle jets and widebodies like the A350-1000.

The newly delivered aircraft will feature a two-class layout with business class seats arranged in a 2-2 format and economy seats in a 3-3 setup. Initially, three planes will have slightly denser seating with more economy seats. To prepare for these changes, Qantas installed an A320 simulator at its Sydney Flight Training Center last year to aid pilot transition from Boeing 737s.

Globally, demand for the A321XLR remains strong with over 500 orders since its launch. Currently active operators include Aer Lingus with three units (and three more pending), Iberia also with three units (and five more ordered), and Wizz Air with one unit (and commitments for another 44). Other major customers include American Airlines and United Airlines each ordering 50 units while IndiGo holds an order for 69.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Emirates Airlines has highlighted the evolution of its cabin crew uniform, emphasizing its commitment to timeless design and practicality.

Oct 23, 2025

Emirates has achieved the Gold Tier status in the 2024 Fly Quiet Programme at New York’s JFK Airport, making it the only airline to receive this distinction among all participating carriers.

Oct 23, 2025

Flying Food Group, Inc. has announced the recipients of its 2025 scholarships, with all five applicants receiving awards this year.

Oct 23, 2025

Dnata, a global provider of air and travel services, has entered into a joint venture with Azerbaijan’s Silk Way Group to launch ground handling and cargo operations at Alat International Airport, located in the Alat Free Economic Zone in Baku.

Oct 22, 2025

Delta Air Lines has announced the release of version 7.5 of its mobile app, introducing new features aimed at making travel planning and management easier for customers during the holiday season.

Oct 22, 2025

The Fair Work Commission has ruled that a former employee of dnata Airport Services was unfairly dismissed and awarded $36,468.39 in compensation.

Oct 22, 2025