Take-off of the 1st A321XLR to Qantas from Airbus Hamburg. Photo: AirbusAustralia’s
Qantas Airways has become the Asia-Pacific launch operator of the latest generation single-aisle A321XLR following the delivery of its first aircraft from the Airbus assembly line in Finkenwerder, Hamburg. Reflecting on the long range capability of the A321XLR, the aeroplane flew from the Airbus facility in Germany to Sydney with just one crew rest stop in Bangkok.
Powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF engines, the Qantas A321XLR features a two-class layout with 20 seats in Business Class and 177 in the main cabin. Qantas will initially operate the A321XLR on domestic services across Australia, with potential to open future new services on secondary routes to Asia.
Altogether the Qantas Group has ordered 40 A321XLRs under its fleet modernisation programme, with 28 aircraft allocated to Qantas and 12 to low-cost subsidiary Jetstar. These are part of the airline’s outstanding orders with Airbus for 128 single-aisle aircraft and 24 A350-1000 widebodies. The A321XLR is the next evolutionary step of the A320neo Family, responding to market needs for more range and payload, creating even more flexibility and value for the airlines.
In typical airline service it offers the longest range of any single-aisle aircraft — up to 4,700nm — and brings a reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions of 30% compared with previous-generation competitor aircraft. To date, Airbus has secured more than 500 orders for the type. As with all Airbus aircraft, the A321XLR aircraft is already able to operate with up to 50% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Airbus is targeting to have its aircraft capable of flying with up to 100% SAF by 2030.