Broughton: Qantas orders 20 more Airbus A321XLR aircraft
Qantas has placed an order for 20 additional Airbus A321XLR aircraft, with the wings for the new fleet built at Airbus’ wing factory in Broughton.
The deal takes the airline’s total order for the long-range narrowbody to 48, as part of its largest ever fleet renewal programme.
Sixteen of the newly ordered aircraft will feature lie-flat Business seats and seatback entertainment screens for use on longer domestic routes, including transcontinental services to and from Perth, and short and medium-haul international routes.
Deliveries of the new configuration aircraft will begin in 2028.
The A321XLR has a range of up to 8,700 kilometres, more than 3,000 kilometres further than the Boeing 737s it replaces. This will allow Qantas to launch direct services to destinations across South East Asia and the Pacific Islands that are currently not viable.
Qantas is set to become the first airline in the Asia Pacific region to operate the A321XLR, with its first two aircraft expected to begin flying commercially in mid-September. The initial routes will include Sydney-Melbourne and Sydney-Perth, before expanding across the network. By the end of this financial year the airline expects to have seven of the type in service.
Jetstar will also take delivery of A321XLRs from 2027, with a two-class configuration suited for international flying.
Qantas Group chief executive Vanessa Hudson said the order represented a significant step in the company’s fleet renewal programme.
“Investing in new aircraft is one of the most significant ways that we can provide our customers with a better flying experience and these billion-dollar investments are possible because of our continued strong financial performance,” she said.
“These additional A321XLRs will accelerate the retirement of our 737 fleet and open up new opportunities for domestic and international travel, allowing us to reach destinations that aren’t possible with our current narrowbody fleet.
“The lie-flat Business seats, seat back screens and fast and free Wi-Fi will provide a consistent premium experience for our customers who fly domestically with Qantas and connect onto our long haul services.”
The Group’s total firm aircraft order now stands at 214, with 32 delivered as at 30 June.
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