Qantas is celebrating the launch of its newest aircraft today, with its first two next-generation Airbus A321XLR aircraft taking off this morning for their first commercial flights.

The two A321XLR aircraft, ‘Great Ocean Road’ (VH-OGA) and ‘Outback Way’ (VH-OGB), are operating their inaugural commercial services between Sydney and Melbourne and Sydney and Perth respectively.

Qantas is the first airline in the Asia Pacific region to fly the new aircraft type, and the fourth airline globally.

The A321XLR features a wider and longer cabin than previous generation narrowbody aircraft, with wider seats, higher ceilings, larger windows, fast and free WiFi and space for around 60 per cent more bags than Qantas’ Boeing 737s.

Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson said the A321XLR aircraft represented a significant milestone in the Group’s fleet renewal program.

“Seeing our A321XLRs take to the skies with customers for the first time is a proud moment for everyone involved and testament to the incredible efforts of the teams across Qantas and Airbus,” Ms Hudson said.

“Investing in next generation aircraft is the most significant way we can elevate the travel experience for our customers and our people. We have already seen a significant improvement in customer satisfaction on our new A220s and Jetstar’s new aircraft.

“The extended flight range enables us to operate these aircraft on both domestic and short haul international routes, including destinations across South East Asia that are not viable with our current narrowbody fleet.

“Preparing for these commercial flights has taken an enormous effort, with nearly 350 training flights and more than 40,000 hours of training completed, as well as thousands of pieces of equipment deployed across our network.

“We look forward to introducing our A321XLRs on other domestic and international routes as more aircraft join our fleet.”

Qantas’ third aircraft is expected to arrive in November, with the fleet to grow to seven by June 2026.

In August, Qantas announced an order for an additional 20 A321XLR aircraft, including lie-flat Business seats on 16 aircraft to serve longer routes, including transcontinental services to and from Perth, and short and medium haul international routes.

This takes Qantas’ current A321XLR order to 48 aircraft and Hudson said the aircraft is a key part of the Qantas Group’s largest ever fleet renewal program, with more than 200 aircraft on firm order and additional purchase right options with both Airbus and Boeing providing flexibility for future growth.