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Cheat Sheet: First look inside Qantas’ hyped new A321XLR aircraft

Friday, 30 August 2024

Economy class on Qantas A321XLR
Economy class on Qantas A321XLR

It’s been a big few hours for Qantas.

The Australian carrier has announced its financial results (A$1.25 billion net profit), worked out a new labour agreement with cabin crew, and revealed what the on board experience will be like on its brand new aircraft, the A321XLR.

Qantas is pinning a lot of hopes on the model as it replaces its fleet of Boeing 737 over the next decade. So far 28 A321XLR have been ordered, with the first due to arrive in April 2025.

The first Qantas A321XLR is due to arrive in April 2025.
The first Qantas A321XLR is due to arrive in April 2025.

CEO Vanessa Hudson said the airline will be one of the first to operate the quieter, more fuel efficient A321XLR.

“Nearly half of all the customers Qantas carries each year travel on our 737 fleet so the A321XLR aircraft that we’ve ordered to replace them will be incredibly important for our future.”

So what should passengers expect when they step on board?

Economy seats are going to be a bit wider than the existing 737 seat.
Economy seats are going to be a bit wider than the existing 737 seat.

Bigger seats and more room in cattle class

With an aircraft that’s 5m longer than the 737, there will be room for 197 passengers in all. Twenty in the pointy end in a 2-2 configuration, with the hoi polloi taking up the other 177 seats in a 3-3 configuration.

The seats down the back are going to be a bit wider than the existing 737 seat and there will be more cushioning too for those longer flights. For anyone really into dimensions, it will be a 30” seat pitch and a 17.6” seat width.

All seats on board will have a six-way adjustable headrest, but the big spenders up front will also enjoy a calf rest and footrest. And an extendable cocktail table, because why not?

Business class on Qantas A321XLR
Business class on Qantas A321XLR

Bigger bins

The bun fight to get your bag in the overhead bin will be eased slightly with “the largest overhead bins of any single-aisle aircraft”.

There will be 20 business class seats.
There will be 20 business class seats.

In layman’s terms you can fit 60% more bags up there than the current 737.

Where’s my TV screen?

Qantas unveils new in-flight safety video 2024

Goneburgers. In a nod to the fact that we are all on multiple devices, the headrest TV screen has gone, to be replaced by a tablet holder for phones and laptops.

There will be free wi-fi for everyone and an “improved Qantas Entertainment App” for all your streaming needs. And there will be the essential charging ports as well, while those up front also get a wireless charging pad.

Where will it fly too?

The A321XLR can fly approximately 8700km, that’s 3000km further than the 737.

That will open up the airline to new direct domestic routes, as well as short haul international destinations in Asia, the Pacific Islands and here in New Zealand. Dunedin-Perth, anyone?

In a nutshell