Qantas has announced an order for 20 additional Airbus A321XLR aircraft as part of its ongoing fleet renewal program. The new planes will replace the airline’s aging Boeing 737-800s, which currently number 76 and have an average age of over 17 years.
Sixteen of the new A321XLRs will be equipped with lie-flat Business seats and seat back entertainment screens to serve longer domestic routes, such as transcontinental flights to and from Perth, as well as short and medium haul international services. In Economy class, passengers can expect wider seats with enhanced cushioning, adjustable headrests, dual USB charging ports, a drop-down tablet holder, and access to fast, free Wi-Fi.
The A321XLR offers a range of up to 8,700 kilometres—over 3,000 kilometres more than the Boeing 737-800—which will allow Qantas to introduce direct flights to destinations in South East Asia and the Pacific Islands that were previously not feasible. The aircraft’s fuel efficiency and increased payload are expected to support this expanded network.