Qantas receives delivery of extended-range A321 aircraft
In a significant stride towards more sustainable air travel, Qantas' first Airbus A321XLR, VH-OGA "Great Ocean Road," has embarked on its delivery flight from Hamburg, Germany, marking the longest commercial A321XLR flight ever operated by a commercial airline. Operating as flight QF6041, the aircraft will cover more than 9,600 kilometres from Hamburg to Bangkok, followed by a journey of over 7,600 kilometres to Sydney.
The groundbreaking delivery flight, scheduled to arrive in Sydney on the morning of Wednesday, 2 July, demonstrates the exceptional range of the A321XLR, which boasts the longest range of any narrow-body aircraft at 8,700 kilometres. This historic journey, lasting 42 hours door to door, including 21 hours of flying time, showcases the aircraft's capabilities and sets a new standard for long-haul, narrow-body flights.
The A321XLR is a pivotal step in Qantas' broader fleet renewal program, with the airline ordering 28 of these modern, fuel-efficient aircraft. The introduction of the A321XLR reflects Qantas' commitment to updating its fleet and providing enhanced passenger comfort and operational flexibility. The aircraft offers a wider cabin with more economy and business class seats, wider economy seats, 60% more baggage space, larger windows, and higher ceilings compared to the Boeing 737 it replaces.
The A321XLR's design features lighter materials and better aerodynamics, making it more fuel-efficient and aligning with sustainability goals. This efficiency also reduces operating costs. Additionally, nearly 1,000 Qantas team members—including pilots, cabin crew, engineers, and ground staff—have undergone training to operate and service this new aircraft, indicating significant investment in workforce readiness.
Qantas' acquisition of the A321XLR establishes it as the first operator of this aircraft type in the Asia-Pacific region, positioning Qantas as a leader in adopting advanced narrow-body technology. This strategic move could open new routes and enhance connectivity for the airline across the region.
AirlineRatings.com CEO Sharon Petersen believes the A321XLR will open up new options for the Qantas network, further solidifying its position as a pioneer in the aviation industry. The delivery flight of VH-OGA can be tracked on Flightradar24 [here].
[1] Airbus. (2025). A321XLR. Retrieved from https://www.airbus.com/aircraft/passenger-aircraft/a320-family/a321xlr.html [2] Qantas. (2025). Qantas takes delivery of first Airbus A321XLR. Retrieved from https://www.qantas.com/au/en/about-us/media-centre/press-releases/qantas-takes-delivery-of-first-airbus-a321xlr.html [3] Qantas. (2025). Qantas' first Airbus A321XLR takes to the skies. Retrieved from https://www.qantas.com/au/en/about-us/media-centre/press-releases/qantas-first-airbus-a321xlr-takes-to-the-skies.html [4] FlightGlobal. (2025). Qantas takes delivery of first Airbus A321XLR. Retrieved from https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/qantas-takes-delivery-of-first-airbus-a321xlr-485878/
- "This historic journey with Qantas' Airbus A321XLR, showcasing its exceptional range and capabilities, is a significant development in both airline news and lifestyle, signifying a new era of travel with enhanced passenger comfort and a commitment to sustainability. "
- "As Qantas establishes itself as the first operator of the A321XLR in the Asia-Pacific region, it positions itself as a trailblazer in adopting advanced narrow-body technology, which not only aligns with its sustainability goals but also opens new travel possibilities and enhances connectivity across the region, making airline news and lifestyle more exciting than ever."
