Qantas A321XLR First Commercial Flights: Full Schedule from Sydney, Perth, and Melbourne

Qantas Airways (QF), which operates one of the biggest one-stop flights in the world (between Sydney to Paris via Perth), has officially launched the date when its Airbus A321XLR aircraft will offer passenger services. Starting from 25 September 2025, this aircraft type operated by the Australian flag carrier will offer domestic services between Sydney–Melbourne and Sydney–Perth.

Qantas A321XLRs, named Great Ocean Road (VH-OGA) and Outback Way (VH-OGB), will provide 20 Business seats and 177 Economy seats, and the aircraft itself will be powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF engines, offering an extended range.

When are Qantas A321XLR’s first flights scheduled?

According to Qantas, its first service using the A321XLR will have the flight number QF645 from Sydney to Perth (departing Sydney at 10:35, arriving Perth at 13:35), returning as QF650 later the same day. A second route operates as QF467 Sydney–Melbourne, returning as QF484.

A third aircraft, Seven Peaks Walk (VH-OGC), has now rolled out in Hamburg and is expected to join the fleet in November. By the end of the current financial year, Qantas anticipates seven operational A321XLRs.

Qantas A321XLR commercial flights on 25 September

Qantas fleet & how the A321XLRs fit in

Here are details of Qantas’ airline history and its A321XLR fleet configuration:

Qantas airline overview

According to data from Planespotters.net, Qantas has a total order of 11 aircraft in the future- five of these are the Airbus A321neo type and three of the 737. [Qantas also has 787-9s in its fleet, an aircraft which it uses for the third longest non-stop flight in the world, between Perth and London].

Let’s have a look at the Australian flag carrier’ A321 XLRs:

Cabin configuration for A321XLR

How does Qantas’ XLR321 compare with the 737?

Qantas has expanded its orders to 48 A321XLRs, making it Qantas’ largest-ever fleet renewal program. The introduction aims to replace aging Boeing 737s, open new short-haul international and transcontinental routes, reduce emissions per seat, and improve passenger experience with features like larger overhead bins, fast free WiFi, and a quieter cabin.

Markus Svensson, Qantas Domestic CEO, remarked:

“These new aircraft will offer a more comfortable flying experience for customers, with wider seats, larger windows, fast, free Wi-Fi, and overhead bins that allow for around 60% more bags than the Boeing 737 they will replace.”

Currently, Qantas has 76 Boeing 737s in its fleet. All of them are 737-800 type. These aircraft have an average age of 17.3 years. Qantas looks to replace its 737s with the A321XLRs.

Qantas’ A321XLR offers several enhancements over its older fleet. With the introduction of the A321 XLR. the seat capacity will to 197 (20 Business + 177 Economy), up 13% over the 737s it replaces, while premium seats increase by about 66%.

Let’s compare how Qantas’ configuration of the 737-800 compares with the A321XLRs:

Qantas Boeing 737 vs Qantas A321XLR Cabin Comparison

A321XLR fleet introduction in other carriers

In 2019, American Airlines (AA) ordered 50 Airbus A321XLRs. Airline Geeks reported that AA plans to deploy them on transatlantic and Latin American routes, primarily as replacements for its aging Boeing 757s. In the same year, United Airlines (UA) also committed to 50 A321XLRs.

Strategic impact & network expansion

With A321XLR’s impressive 8,700 km range (which is approximately 3,000km further than the 737 it is set to replace), Qantas can connect previously off-limits destinations without stops.  This opens possibilities in Asia, the Pacific, and transcontinental routes to Perth and potentially beyond.

The increase in premium seating capacity also supports market demand for business travelers on domestic and international short-haul routes.

Airbus A321XLR technical specifications