Qantas has confirmed the carrier will get eight additional Airbus A321XLRs for Qantas Domestic from its existing order book announced as part of the Group’s domestic fleet renewal program.

This brings the total number of Qantas A321XLRs on order to 28, with the first due to arrive in early 2025.

Qantas Group CEO, Vanessa Hudson, said the additional jets are part of the carrier’s massive investment in new, modern and fuel-efficient aircraft.

“We’re investing heavily in new aircraft that are a step-change from the technology they replace,” she said.

“They have more comfortable cabins and can fly further, opening up a lot of new routes domestically and overseas.

“These next-generation aircraft are up to 50 per cent quieter and generate 20 per cent less carbon emissions.

“We’re already seeing a significant benefit from lower fuel burn, which helps put downward pressure on fares given it’s our biggest single cost,” she said.

The A321XLR is five metres longer than the 737s it replaces and will seat up to 200 passengers (20 Business and 180 Economy), an increase of up to 15 per cent in capacity with no reduction in space between seats.

“Like the A220, the A321XLR have significantly less noise and fuel burn, and will help towards the Group’s emission reduction targets,” a Qantas spokesperson said.