Qantas unveils A321XLR at Hamburg assembly line
By:
Pilotcenter.net
Qantas offers a sneak peek of its upcoming A321XLR, as the aircraft reaches the final assembly line at Airbus' production facility in Hamburg, signaling progress in the airline's fleet renewal endeavor. The A321XLR, set for delivery in April 2025, is the first of 28 on order as part of Qantas Group's strategy to replace their Boeing 737 fleet. This move not only represents a significant milestone for Qantas but also paints a promising outlook for aviation enthusiasts across the Asia Pacific region as they anticipate being the first to experience the comforts of the Airbus A321XLR.
Named the Great Ocean Road, the initial A321XLR to join Qantas' ranks promises a blend of innovation and elegance. With Iberia recently pioneering a transatlantic flight with the A321XLR, the aviation community is abuzz with excitement for this streamlined yet spacious aircraft design.
In preparation for the A321XLR's debut, Qantas engineering has equipped itself with nearly 800 pieces of new tooling, while pilot training is well underway to ensure a smooth transition to the flight deck. Vanessa Hudson, CEO of Qantas Group, expressed her satisfaction with the progress, highlighting the dedication and meticulous planning that have gone into this fleet renewal initiative. She emphasized the A321XLR's enhanced passenger experience, increased range for potential new routes and operational efficiency, all of which align with Qantas' commitment to excellence.
Boasting Pratt & Whitney Geared Turbo Fan engines, the A321XLR offers a roomier cabin with 20 business and 177 economy seats, showcasing a 13% rise in overall seat capacity without compromising passenger comfort. As Qantas gears up to train over 240 pilots on the A321XLR in the coming years, it's evident that this aircraft represents a new era of possibilities for the renowned airline._follow Pilotcenter.net News for more updates on Qantas' fleet modernization journey and the exciting advancements in aviation technology.