Qantas is getting ready to receive its Airbus A321XLR

QANTAS BOEING 787-9 VH-ZNH (MSN 36241)

Qantas pilots have commenced training in anticipation of the first A321XLR's arrival in Australia next year. As a segment of Qantas' fleet renewal initiative, 28 A321XLR aircraft are on order to gradually replace the Boeing 737 fleet over the coming decade, with the inaugural aircraft set to arrive in April 2025.

Before the first A321XLR touches down, Qantas pilots have begun training on a new CAE 7000XR Series A320 simulator, transported from Montreal, Canada, to Australia earlier this year, taking a 34-day journey. Over the next three years, more than 240 Qantas pilots are slated to be trained on the A321XLR, paving the way for new career and promotion opportunities.

Pilots will dedicate up to 60 hours to training in the new simulator as part of a comprehensive training program, followed by annual four-session recurrency training. The simulator boasts cutting-edge technology, including a rare dual head-up display.

Housed in the new Sydney Flight Training Centre, which is expected to be fully equipped with additional simulators and training apparatus by year's end, the A320 simulator will serve as a training hub. Furthermore, approximately 2,000 cabin crew members will undergo training on the new aircraft model as it joins the fleet.

A321XLR facts:

• Qantas' A321XLR, extending 5 metres longer than the retiring 737s, will accommodate 197 passengers (20 in Business, 177 in Economy), marking a 13% increase in overall cabin capacity without compromising seat spacing, and a 66% boost in premium seating.
• The initial trio of Qantas A321XLRs will be outfitted with 180 Economy seats.
• With a range extending 3,000km beyond the 737's 8,700km, it enables a broader spectrum of direct domestic and short-range international flights, such as to Southeast Asia and Pacific islands.
• The A321XLR from Qantas will operate on Pratt & Whitney Geared Turbo Fan engines (PW1100G-JM).
• Noise levels are reduced in the A321XLR compared to its predecessors.
• The A321XLR is anticipated to consume less fuel per seat than the 737 models it is replacing.

In a tribute to Australia's iconic travel destinations and the significance of connecting the expansive country and beyond, Qantas staff are participating in naming the new fleet with the theme of Walks, Rivers, and Roads. The inaugural aircraft will be christened 'Great Ocean Road.'


A321XLR cabins
The new Qantas A321XLR's cabin and seating have been meticulously crafted to enhance passenger comfort.

Travelers can look forward to:

• An Economy seat that is not only wider than the 737's but also features additional cushioning for extra comfort.
• Overhead bins that are the largest among single-aisle aircraft, accommodating 60 percent more bags than the 737.
• A spacious cabin experience with high ceilings, expansive windows, and a cabin width greater than the 737.
• Complimentary, high-speed Wi-Fi that enables passengers to stay connected on multiple devices during the flight, along with an upgraded Qantas Entertainment App for streaming to personal devices.
• A total of 197 seats spanning two cabins, with 20 Business class seats in a 2-2 layout and 177 Economy class seats in a 3-3 layout.