Qantas has begun commercial operations with its first pair of Airbus A321XLRs, becoming the first airline in the Asia-Pacific region to fly the new aircraft type.
The two A321XLR aircraft, called ‘Great Ocean Road’ (VH-OGA) and ‘Outback Way’ (VH-OGB), began commercial service on September 25, 2025, the airline announced in a statement.
These aircraft, named after Australian walks, rivers, and roads, will operate routes between Sydney and Melbourne, as well as Sydney and Perth.
“Preparing for these commercial flights has taken an enormous effort, with nearly 350 training flights and more than 40,000 hours of training completed, as well as thousands of pieces of equipment deployed across our network,” said Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson.
According to Hudson, the extended flight range enables the airline to operate these aircraft on both domestic and short haul international routes, including destinations across Southeast Asia that are not viable with its current narrowbody fleet.
“We look forward to introducing our A321XLRs on other domestic and international routes as more aircraft join our fleet,” she added.
Qantas A321XLRs are five meters longer than the 737-800 and can accommodate 197 passengers, which includes 20 business seats and 177 economy seats. This represents a 13% increase in total seating capacity without reducing the space between seats, along with a 66% increase in business seats.
The aircraft has a flying range of about 8,700 kilometers, which is roughly 3,000 kilometers more than the 737-800, allowing for a broader selection of direct domestic and short to medium-haul international routes. Qantas A321XLRs are powered by Pratt & Whitney Geared Turbo Fan engines.
Qantas is set to receive its third Airbus A321XLR in November 2025, increasing its fleet of these aircraft to seven by June 2026. In August 2025, Qantas placed an order for 20 more A321XLR aircraft. This brings the total number of A321XLRs ordered by Qantas to 48.
Qantas said that the aircraft are crucial to the Qantas Group’s largest ever fleet renewal program, which includes more than 200 aircraft on firm order and additional purchase options from Airbus and Boeing.
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