Qantas has introduced its first two Airbus A321XLR aircraft on domestic routes as part of a multibillion-dollar fleet overhaul. The new planes, Outback Way and Great Ocean Road, made their debut on Sydney-Perth and Sydney-Melbourne.

Council of the City of Sydney

Qantas has launched the Airbus A321XLR, which will gradually replace its Boeing 737s over the next decade. The new aircraft, named 'Great Ocean Road' for its inaugural commercial flight, offers a quieter and more comfortable experience for passengers, with features such as larger windows and overhead bins.

The A321XLR burns about 25% less fuel compared to previous models and can fly up to 8,700 kilometres, expanding Qantas' potential route network. With 48 of these aircraft on order, including 16 fitted with lie-flat business seats, Qantas aims to enhance both domestic and international services while improving environmental performance.

Qantas unveils new Airbus planes

It's the new thoroughbred taking to our skies, the Airbus A321XLR, set to replace the workhorse of the Qantas fleet, the 737s, over the next decade. It is so exciting. Joining the CEO on its first commercial flight between Sydney and Melbourne today, Narelle Britt, she won her seat. Because I couldn't speak, I had tears in my eyes, it means so much to me. As the aptly named Great Ocean Road, on its inaugural commercial flight, took a spin over its namesake, outside and in, this aircraft is cleaner, roomier and quieter. Its external noise footprint is up to 50% quieter than the existing generation of aircraft. On board, it's about 20% quieter, so passengers will notice it's a lot quieter and more comfortable on board, bigger windows, bigger overhead bins. It burns about 25% less fuel, and that's good for our environment. With 48 on order, it's the flying kangaroo's biggest ever fleet renewal program. From up here, there's another real bonus, these XLRs can fly further than the retiring 737s. 8,700 kilometres, that's 3,000 kilometres more, which opens up all sorts of new destinations. Particularly out of Perth, and we're investing a lot in our Perth hub, you could see services from Perth to India, Perth to Malaysia, Adelaide to Singapore. Does it mean airfares get cheaper? Well, as capacity comes on, that enables us to keep great value for our customers. 16 XLRs will have lie-flat business seats for the longer routes, but perhaps their most appealing feature is purely aesthetic. The wider cockpit windows, shaped to look like sunglasses, a must in the Aussie sun. Ali Donaldson, 10 News.

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