Qantas locks in domestic fleet order for A321XLR, A220 jets

The first 40 Airbus A321XLR and A220 aircraft to revitalise Qantas' domestic fleet will begin to arrive from late next year.

QANTAS AIRBUS A380-842 VH-OQK (MSN 063) File Photo

Qantas has locked in a reinvention of its domestic fleet, securing orders with Airbus for its popular A320neo family – including the extended-range A321XLR – which will replace the ageing Boeing 737 fleet currently plying its domestic and short-range international network.

 QANTAS BOEING 737-838 VH-VXA (MSN 29551)  File Photo

In line with the confirmation of its 'Project Sunrise' A350 ultra-long-range aircraft order, the airline has confirmed the first aircraft in its domestic and short-range fleet renewal will enter service from late 2023, beginning the phase-out process for the older members of the Boeing fleet.

Qantas says its new short-range fleet will allow it to open a wider range of domestic routes and introduce new short-range international services to new cities in Asia and the Pacific islands.

Airbus edged out Boeing and its 737 MAX in what Qantas termed ‘Project Winton’ – named after the airline’s 1920 birthplace in central Queensland – which will redefine its fleet for decades to come.

Also on the way out are the ageing Boeing 717s flown by the regional QantasLink service – they’ll be upgraded to the Airbus A220.

QANTASLINK BOEING 717-231 VH-NXL (MSN 55093) File Photo

Both new aircraft models will be up to 50% quieter than its retiring predecessors, with fuel burn up to 28% less per passenger.

The A320s and A220s will become the backbone of our domestic fleet for the next 20 years, helping to keep this country moving. Their range and economics will make new direct routes possible, including serving regional cities better.

Qantas' initial order will start at 20 A321XLRs and 20 A220s with purchase orders for another 94 now signed and sealed.

Subsequent deliveries from an additional 94 purchase right options, along with the total spend, will be spread "over a 10-plus year delivery window" as the Boeing 737s and 717s are gradually phased out.

The first 40 Airbus jets carry a combined list price of at least $6.5 billion before the typical 30-50% discount enjoyed by airlines.

While champagne corks will be popping at Airbus’ headquarters in Toulouse, it’s Qantas passengers who will be the real winners.

The new A321XLR will be five metres longer than the outgoing 737 and will be configured to seat 200 passengers, of whom 20 will be in business class.

Noticeably quieter than the Boeing 737, the near-vertical interior walls and modern ‘Airspace’ interior cabin design will make Qantas' domestic services feel far more spacious.

Roomy overhead bins can stow not only more bags but larger ones, in a welcome nod to travel trends.

Qantas will also trade up from its 20 ageing Boeing 717 jets with an average age of some 20 years to the Airbus A220 series.

Larger than the outgoing aircraft, Qantas has ordered this model configured to seat 137 passengers, of which 10 will be in business class. This marks an uptick of 25% in overall onboard head count with what the airline says will be no reduction in space between seats.

But Qantas hadn't finished there buying spree just yet, they have also ordered 12 Airbus A350-1000 for their Project Sunrise

ABOUT THE AIRCRAFT

PROJECT WINTON

Qantas’ A321XLR is five metres longer than the outgoing 737s and will be configured to seat 200 people (20 business, 180 economy) – a 15 per cent increase with no reduction in space between seats. 

It can fly approximately 3,000km further than the 737 (at 8,700km) and opens up a wider range of direct domestic and short haul international routes (e.g. South East Asia, Pacific islands).

The A220-300 is larger overall than the outgoing 717s and will be configured to seat 137 people (10 in Business, 127 in Economy) – a 25 per cent increase with no reduction in space between seats. It has almost double the range at over 6,000 kilometres, meaning it can fly between any city in Australia.
Both aircraft types will be powered by Pratt & Whitney Geared Turbo Fan engines (PW1100G-JM and PW1500G)
The noise levels of both aircraft are up to 50 per cent lower than the retiring aircraft.
On a per seat basis, the A220-300 burns 28 per cent less fuel per passenger than the 717. The A321XLR burns 17 per cent less fuel per passenger compared with the 737.

PROJECT SUNRISE

The Qantas A350-1000 will have the range for direct flights between Australia and any city in the world. Powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 turbofan engines which are 25 percent more fuel efficient than previous generation aircraft.
Will carry 238 passengers across four classes (First, Business, Premium Economy, Economy), with more than 40 per cent of the cabin dedicated to premium seating. Compares to more than 300 seats on competitor airlines.
The cabin is specially configured for improved comfort on long flights and includes a wellbeing zone in
the centre.

Story sourced from here

Qantas locks in domestic fleet order for A321XLR, A220 jets - Executive Traveller

QANTAS GROUP ANNOUNCES MAJOR AIRCRAFT ORDER TO SHAPE ITS FUTURE (qantasnewsroom.com.au)