The first two Airbus A321XLR are about to come into service for Qantas, taking flight from September 25 between Sydney and Melbourne and Sydney and Perth.
The new aircraft replace Boeing 737s and offer wider seats and larger windows and overhead luggage compartments, alongside free, fast Wifi.
“The inaugural commercial flight will take off from Sydney for Perth, giving customers the very first taste of the comfort, space and connectivity these aircraft bring,” said Qantas Domestic CEO Markus Svensson.
“These next generation aircraft mark an exciting new chapter for Qantas. We know many of our customers have been waiting for the opportunity to fly onboard these new aircraft, just as our teams have been looking forward to flying them.
“The extended flight range will also enable us to operate these aircraft on both domestic and short haul international routes, including destinations across South East Asia and the Pacific Islands that are not currently viable with our current narrowbody fleet.”
Qantas is expecting to take possession of a third A321XLR by November and a further four of the aircraft by the end of the current financial year. The airline has ordered 48 of the A321XLR aircraft in total, including the order for 20 more announced in August.
Meanwhile, Virgin Australia has taken delivery of its first Embraer E190-E2 jet, which will primarily service its charter flight offering in Western Australia, but may also be used to operate regular commercial services, if charter demand is lower.
“This is a landmark day for aviation in Western Australia,” said group executive of Virgin Australia Regional Airlines (VARA), Nick Rohrlach.
“The E190-E2 is a game-changer – it is more fuel-efficient, quieter and more comfortable than anything else operating in the state’s charter market today. It will significantly improve the travel experience for our charter clients and give us greater flexibility across VARA’s operations.
“When it enters service next month, this aircraft will fly charter routes and also support commercial services primarily within Western Australia to destinations like Darwin, Kalgoorlie, Karratha, Port Hedland and Broome. As we build scale with the E2 fleet over time, we will be able to explore expanding its use across our national network.
“The E190-E2 is 30 per cent more fuel-efficient than our retiring Fokker 100s and has the lowest noise profile of any aircraft in its segment. It is also future-ready, certified for up to 50 per cent Sustainable Aviation Fuel and capable of operating on 100 per cent SAF.
“This is the start of an exciting new chapter for Virgin Australia Regional Airlines.”
The new Embraer aircraft has both business class and economy and will be fitted with Wifi capabilities in early 2026.
