Qantas has officially launched its first Airbus A321XLR into commercial service, marking a major step in its fleet renewal and route expansion plans, with the aircraft taking its inaugural flight on September 25, 2025.

The A321XLR, capable of flying over 8,700 kilometers, significantly extends Qantas' range, enabling new domestic and international routes, including destinations in Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, and possibly Perth-India and Perth-Malaysia.

As part of Qantas' largest fleet renewal effort, 48 A321XLRs are on order, with two already in operation and six more expected by mid-2026, primarily serving routes like Sydney-Melbourne and Sydney-Perth, and supporting future international flights.

Potential future routes include Perth to Malaysia and India, leveraging the aircraft's extended range and Perth's developing terminal for both domestic and international flights.

The A321XLR offers wider seats, larger windows, 60% more overhead bin space, and faster free Wi-Fi, with notable improvements over the Boeing 737, although it lacks seatback entertainment on domestic routes.

Named 'Outback Way' and 'Great Ocean Road,' these aircraft feature wider economy seats at 17.6 inches, larger overhead luggage compartments, and are designed to enhance passenger comfort on both short and long routes.

Sydney Airport CEO Scott Charlton highlighted the aircraft’s quiet operation and its potential to open new routes to Southeast Asia while reducing noise pollution at Kingsford Smith Airport.

Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson emphasized that 16 of these aircraft will be configured for international use, with features like flat beds in business class and economy seats comparable to widebody aircraft, supporting new international routes.

Onboard amenities include USB and USB-C charging ports, wireless charging in business class, free Wi-Fi, fold-down device trays, and three lavatories in economy, with the aircraft noted for being quieter even at full thrust.

The cabin design emphasizes brighter, more spacious environments with higher ceilings and larger windows, although seatback entertainment will be added on some longer routes, while standard domestic routes will not have seatback screens.

The aircraft's extended range and improved comfort are expected to facilitate routes such as Perth-Malaysia, Perth-India, and Adelaide-Singapore, especially as Perth’s terminal development progresses.

Qantas' fleet upgrade includes plans to replace its Boeing 737s with approximately 20 A321XLRs by 2027, with deliveries starting in 2027 and some models featuring lie-flat business seats for longer routes.