5 hours ago
2
Qantas’ next-generation Airbus A321XLR aircraft will touch down at Brisbane Airport for the first time at 6pm today as it commences its Sydney-Brisbane return route.
The extra long-range craft will be used on return services between Brisbane and Sydney, marking the newest route for the state-of-the-art Airbus – which Qantas launched in September.
The A321XLR features a wider and longer cabin than previous-generation narrow-body aircraft, wider seats, higher ceilings, larger windows, free Wi-Fi and space for about 60 per cent more bags than Qantas’ Boeing 737s – and also uses less fuel per seat than the 737 it replaces.
Qantas’ A321XLR will now fly from Brisbane.
The national carrier is only the fourth airline in the world to operate the A321XLR and the first in
the Asia-Pacific region.
Qantas Domestic chief executive Markus Svensson praised the technology and comfort improvements of the A321XLR.
“We’ve had great feedback from customers who have flown on the aircraft, with its 60 per cent larger onboard baggage space a real drawcard and a much quieter cabin than previous-generation aircraft,” he said. “The A321XLR is also far more efficient than the previous-generation aircraft it is replacing, which is helping us to progress toward our sustainability goals.”
Brisbane Airport boss Gert-Jan de Graaff said the aircraft was a great addition to the Brisbane-Sydney route, one of the busiest in the country, as the airport undergoes major improvements.
“As Brisbane Airport celebrates 100 years and Qantas marks 105 years since its birth in Queensland, we are forging a future together focused on sustainably connecting the world,” he said. “The introduction of this aircraft complements the transformation currently under way in our terminals.”
