Overview

• The first two A321XLRs, VH-OGB and VH-OGA, entered commercial service on September 25 with inaugural flights from Sydney to Perth and Melbourne.
• The aircraft extend Qantas’s narrowbody reach to about 8,700 km—roughly 3,000 km farther than its 737s—supporting potential additions across South‑East Asia and the Pacific Islands as discussed by executives.
• The new cabins seat 197 passengers with 20 in business and 177 in economy, add wider economy seats, and offer fast free Wi‑Fi.
• Overhead bins provide about 60% more baggage space, and Qantas plans seatback entertainment on 16 aircraft earmarked for longer transcontinental and short‑ to medium‑haul international routes.
• Qantas recently expanded its A321XLR order by 20 to a total of 48, expects a third delivery in November, and targets seven aircraft in service before the end of the financial year.