Qantas's Game-Changing Aircraft Already Has a Launch Date
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Qantas has scheduled the commercial debut of its first Airbus A321XLRs, a key step in the airline's fleet renewal program. Bookings for the inaugural flights opened today, September 12.
The first two aircraft, registered VH-OGA ("Great Ocean Road") and VH-OGB ("Outback Way"), will take to the skies with passengers for the first time on Thursday, September 25. The initial operations, subject to final regulatory approval, will connect Sydney with Melbourne and Perth.
These next-generation aircraft are designed to enhance the travel experience, offering wider seats, larger windows, and a fast, free Wi-Fi system. Additionally, the overhead bins have approximately 60% more capacity than those on the Boeing 737s they are replacing.
According to a statement from Qantas, these A321XLRs will allow the company to explore new domestic as well as short and medium-haul international routes. "The extended flight range will also enable us to operate these aircraft on both domestic and short haul international routes, including destinations across South East Asia and the Pacific Islands that are not currently viable with our current narrowbody fleet," explained Markus Svensson, CEO of Qantas Domestic.
Svensson also highlighted that the airline's customers will be the first in the Asia-Pacific region to experience this aircraft model. "The inaugural commercial flight will take off from Sydney for Perth, giving customers the very first taste of the comfort, space and connectivity these aircraft bring," he added.
Fleet Expansion
Qantas's renewal program continues at a steady pace. The third A321XLR aircraft, registered VH-OGC and named "Seven Peaks Walk," has already rolled out of the paint shop in Hamburg, with delivery expected in November. By the end of the current fiscal year, the company plans to have seven units of this model in its fleet.
Qantas recently expanded its total A321XLR order to 48 aircraft. Of this total, 16 planes will feature a special configuration with lie-flat seats in Business class and individual entertainment screens, intended for longer routes such as transcontinental services to and from Perth and medium-haul international destinations.
Technical Specs of Qantas's A321XLR
The fleet's Airbus A321XLRs are powered by Pratt & Whitney Geared Turbo Fan (PW1100G-JM) engines. At five meters longer than a 737, the aircraft offers a 66% increase in premium seat capacity. In terms of sustainability, the A321XLR is expected to generate fewer carbon emissions per seat on comparable routes than the aircraft it replaces.
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