It isn’t every day, or even every year, an airline launches a new plane – especially when aircraft supply remains a global issue – so the formal kick-off of two of Qantas’ shiny new A321XLRs today is a cause for celebration for the carrier; it should be for Australian travellers looking for comfier flights too, based on Karryon’s experience aboard the jet’s maiden flight.
The new single-aisle aircraft, which took off on their official first flights on Thursday, are part of the flying kangaroo’s major fleet renewal – the biggest in Qantas’ history – and will form a key component of the airline’s domestic network in particular.
The carrier has 48 of the new 321s on order. Two are now in operation, and Qantas expects to have at least six more in the skies by mid-2026, which means more comfortable travel for more Aussies.
The airline will initially fly its A321XLRs on its Sydney-Melbourne and Sydney-Perth services (both commencing Thursday), with other domestic routes coming soon. But it also plans to fly the swish new aircraft on short and medium-haul international routes, like to Southeast Asia and potentially even India, which obviously brings new opportunities for the airline.
What’s it like on board?
The A321XLR will replace Qantas’ B737 aircraft and brings significant advantages over its Boeing predecessor.
On board the new 321, the seats feel wider than previous single-aisle planes. There are also more of them, 13% to be precise (including 20 business seats, up from 12 seats) without a compromise on current seat pitch.
Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) CEO, and 6’5″ flyer, Dean Long tells Karryon that even in economy class on this plane, he has enough legroom.
The aircraft also boasts higher ceilings and bigger windows in a cabin five metres longer than the Boeing jet.
Larger overhead bins – that feature around 60% more space – mean there’ll be fewer arguments over storage, while USB and USB-C charging (with wireless charging in business class) and free wifi will guarantee flyers stay connected onboard.
Passengers can also take advantage of new fold-down trays just above the meal trays that can hold your personal device for QF’s inflight entertainment. Entertainment options can be previewed before boarding on the Qantas app.
Arguably, it’s most notable feature, however – certainly the one mentioned most among those on board the inaugural flight – is its quietness, even in full thrust mode upon takeoff. And who doesn’t love less noise?
Marking the milestone
Before the 321’s first official commercial flight between Sydney and Melbourne in the afternoon, the airline hosted a special preview flight for a group of guests comprising travel industry representatives, media (including Karryon), Qantas staff, stakeholders, Qantas Frequent Flyer Platinum One members and even competition winners. Also on board were Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson, Qantas Domestic CEO Marcus Svensson, Sydney Airport CEO Scott Charlton and Airbus Head of Country, Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Stephen Forshaw, among other VIP guests.
Following the fanfare upon departure from Sydney Airport – live music, Qantas-branded cookies, photo opportunities and the flying kangaroo mascot – the preview flight took the scenic route to Melbourne, with a rare low loop of the Great Ocean Road, apt given this plane’s moniker: Great Ocean Road (the other plane debuting today is named Outback Way). The only thing missing was the water cannon salute.
Upon landing at Tullamarine, guests were treated to a special lunch at the Melbourne Qantas Domestic Business Lounge, where Hudson spoke of the significance of the new aircraft.
“The XLR is an incredibly important part and addition to our fleet,” she remarked.
As the world’s widest narrowbody plane, Hudson said the new jet enables the airline to offer passengers wider seats as well as simply, more space.
“You only have to look up, and the space that the cabin creates is so spacious. The bins are going to be incredible for our customers – 60% bigger than the bins on the 737s, and we know how valuable that is for our customers.”
Hudson also hailed the next generation aircraft’s features beyond the cabin.
“The engines and the additional fuel tank provide this aircraft with 3,000 more kilometres’ capability to fly further than ever before,” she said.
The Qantas boss added that the airline would configure 16 of these XLRs in an “international configuration”.
“That will be an economy seat that’s equivalent to our widebody aircraft, but also flat beds in business class.”
Hudson also spoke of possible new routes the carrier could fly with the aircraft, including Perth flights to Malaysia and even India, and Adelaide services to Singapore, to name a few.
Speaking to Karryon at the launch, Sydney Airport CEO Scott Charlton said it was especially exciting to see the potential of the new plane for flights to Southeast Asia – home to the most popular holiday spot (Bali) and the fastest-growing destination (Vietnam) among Australian travellers. He also noted the benefit of having quieter planes at Kingsford Smith, where noise levels can be a sensitive subject.
Expect to see (and hear?) the new Airbus at a major airport near you.
The writer was a guest of Qantas. All images by Mark Harada.
