DALLAS—Australian flag carrier Qantas (QF) has announced the order of 28 Airbus A321XLR to realize its fleet renewal operations. The airline has stated this purchase as a milestone in its history.
The first A321XLR, registered VH-OGA, will land in Australia in April 2025. The new aircraft are intended to replace QF’s old Boeing 737-800s, part of the narrow-body fleet operating domestic routes.
Qantas is to undergo a fleet renewal process for both narrow-body and wide-body aircraft. The airline set a goal to be reached in a decade. The renewal process includes using Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) and reducing carbon emissions by 80%.
Additionally, the new aircraft are equipped with Pratt&Whitney engines, the PW1100-JM, a new, more fuel-efficient engine that reduces fuel consumption and noise.
Once in service, the new A321XLR will allow the carrier to unlock new nonstop routes with destinations in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands, such as Jakarta (CGK), Manila (MNL), Bangkok (DMK), Hong Kong (HKG), Singapore (SIN), and Phuket (HKT).
According to the range maps provided by the airline, these destinations are not reachable with a direct flight with a Boeing 737-800 because of the limited range; the new A321XLR will perform a range of 8.700 km instead.
The In-flight Experience
The aircraft passenger capacity has increased by 13%; now, the airline can accommodate 197 passengers in a two-class configuration. The business cabin has 20 leather-covered seats and a 6-way adjustable headrest to make it comfortable during the flight and offer a quiet space to enjoy the flight.
The aircraft has in-flight Wi-Fi, double USB A-C power outlets, and wireless charging pads, perfect for staying connected and super-charged for the next adventure. In a 3-3 configuration, the Economy cabin can host 177 passengers.
David Caon designed the cabin interiors to provide more space and light. With a full LED lighting solution, the larger windows offer a panoramic view during the flight.
The designer also envisioned a new configuration of overhead lockers to accommodate 60% more carry-on luggage.
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Exploring Airline History Volume I
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David H. Stringer, the History Editor for AIRWAYS Magazine, has chronicled the story of the commercial aviation industry with his airline history articles that have appeared in AIRWAYS over two decades. Here, for the first time, is a compilation of those articles.
Subjects A through C are presented in this first of three volumes. Covering topics such as the airlines of Alaska at the time of statehood and Canada's regional airlines of the 1960s, the individual histories of such carriers as Allegheny, American, Braniff, and Continental are also included in Volume One. Get your copy today!
January 2025
