Qantas’ all-new Airbus A321XLRs are set to start flying internationally in October, connecting Brisbane and Manila and leveraging its extra long-range capability.

The new A321XLRs have been flying domestically within Australia and have proved popular with frequent flyers.

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,” she said.