Qantas introduced its Airbus A321XLR aircraft to Brisbane Airport, commencing return services between Brisbane and Sydney today, on November 17, 2025. This aircraft is the newest route for the type, which Qantas first began operating in September. The national carrier is the fourth airline globally and the first in the Asia Pacific region to operate the A321XLR.
The aircraft is a key component of the Qantas Group’s fleet renewal program, which includes over 200 jets on firm order. Qantas has received two A321XLRs and is expecting its third in the coming weeks. The airline has ordered 48 of these aircraft, with 16 planned to be configured with lie-flat business seats for use on longer domestic and short- to medium-haul international routes.
The A321XLR offers several notable features for passengers, including a wider and longer cabin compared to previous narrow-body aircraft, wider seats, higher ceilings, larger windows, and free Wi-Fi. It is equipped with space for approximately 60 percent more bags than the Boeing 737s it is replacing. The aircraft seats 197 passengers (20 in business and 177 in economy), which is a 13 percent increase in total seat capacity. The A321XLR can also fly about 8,700 km, extending the range by approximately 3,000 km compared to the 737-800.
The A321XLR contributes to the airline’s environmental goals by using less fuel per seat, which enables a reduction in carbon emissions compared to the older generation aircraft. Qantas Domestic CEO Markus Svensson noted that customers have provided positive feedback, particularly regarding the quieter cabin and increased baggage space. Brisbane Airport CEO Gert-Jan de Graaff welcomed the aircraft, emphasizing that fleet renewal is beneficial for both passengers and the surrounding communities.
