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Qantas has begun training pilots for its new A321XLR fleet ahead of their arrival from next year.
The Flying Kangaroo has ordered 28 of the new aircraft to gradually replace its 737-800s, with the first expected to arrive in April 2025. In preparation, pilots have commenced training on a new CAE 7000XR Series A320 simulator, which arrived from Canada earlier this year.
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Pilots will spend up to 60 hours training in the simulator, with more than 240 expected to undergo training over the next three years; around 2,000 cabin crew will also undergo progressive training as the A321XLRs are gradually introduced.
Images have been released of the new aircraft’s interior, which will feature 197 seats in total: 20 business seats in a 2-2 configuration, and 177 economy seats in a 3-3 configuration; the first three will instead feature 180 economy seats. Qantas says the economy seats will be wider than those in the 737-800, with extra cushioning.
According to CEO Vanessa Hudson, Qantas will be one of the first airlines in the world to operate the 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,” she said.
“New aircraft mean more jobs, training and promotion opportunities for our people, and we’ll be training more than 240 pilots on the new aircraft over the next three years.
“The A321XLR is a fantastic aircraft to be part of our next generation fleet, and its range and versatility will give us the opportunity to explore more non-stop routes and operate them cost effectively.
“The QantasLink A220s and the Jetstar A320neo family already received as part of our group fleet renewal program are providing major improvements in running cost, network flexibility, passenger comfort and emissions.”
The A321XLR is five metres longer than the 737-800, can fly around 8,700 kilometres – an increase of 3,000 kilometres – and will offer around 13 more seats.
Powered by Pratt & Whitney Geared Turbo Fan engines, the new aircraft will be quieter and burn less fuel, Qantas says.
The Flying Kangaroo posted a profit before tax of $2.08 billion in the 2023–24 financial year, down 16 per cent on 2022–23, with the dip attributed to lower fares.
