Qantas is preparing for the arrival of its first Airbus A321XLR in Australia next year. The airline has unveiled the cabin experience passengers can expect on these new aircraft.
As part of its fleet renewal plan, Qantas has ordered 28 A321XLRs to gradually replace its Boeing 737 fleet over the next decade. The first A321XLR is set to land in April 2025.
The A321XLR, the longest-range variant in the Airbus A320 family, will enable Qantas to launch new non-stop routes that were previously unfeasible.
This new fleet promises a more comfortable journey with quieter cabins, improved operational reliability, and reduced emissions per seat compared to its predecessors.
Pilot Training Commences
Qantas pilots have begun training on a state-of-the-art CAE 7000XR Series A320 simulator. This advanced equipment was transported from Montreal to Australia earlier this year, taking 34 days to arrive.
Over the next three years, more than 240 Qantas pilots will undergo A321XLR training. This initiative creates new career paths and promotional opportunities within the airline.
The training program involves up to 60 hours of simulator time, followed by annual recurrency sessions. The simulator features cutting-edge technology, including a rare dual head-up display.
Located in the new Sydney Flight Training Centre, the A320 simulator is part of a larger facility set to house additional simulators and training equipment by year-end.
Moreover, about 2,000 cabin crew members will receive progressive training on the new aircraft type as it joins the fleet.
A321XLR Cabin Experience
Qantas’ A321XLR is five metres longer than the outgoing 737s and will be configured to seat 197 people. This represents a 13 per cent increase across the whole cabin with no reduction in space between seats. The new Airbus narrowbody also offers a 66 per cent increase in premium seats.
The A321XLR’s cabin and seats are designed to maximize passenger comfort. Key features include:
- Wider, more comfortable Economy seats with improved cushioning
- Larger overhead bins, accommodating 60% more bags than the 737
- A spacious feel with higher ceilings, large windows, and a wider cabin
- Fast, free Wi-Fi for multiple devices and an enhanced Qantas Entertainment App
- 197-passenger capacity: 20 Business seats (2-2 configuration) and 177 Economy seats (3-3 configuration)
Qantas CEO Comments
Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson highlighted the significance of the A321XLR for both employees and customers. She emphasized the aircraft’s role in Qantas’ future, noting that nearly half of the airline’s annual passengers travel on the 737 fleet.
Hudson also pointed out the job creation, training, and promotion opportunities the new aircraft brings. She praised the A321XLR’s range and versatility, which will allow Qantas to explore more non-stop routes cost-effectively.
The CEO concluded by mentioning the benefits already seen from the QantasLink A220s and Jetstar A320neo family, including improved running costs, network flexibility, passenger comfort, and reduced emissions.
On a per seat basis, the A321XLR is expected to burn less fuel than the 737 aircraft it replaces. It can fly approximately 3,000km further than the 737. This opens up a wider range of direct domestic and short haul international routes, such as South East Asia, and the Pacific islands.
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