Qantas' New A321XLR

[HS-TQE]

MNL is slot restricted. QF managed to expand to BNE-MNL using less than ideal slots in MNL initially

A330 is virtually their only choice if freight loads especially the Balikbayan market is strong between Australia and Philippines.

 

[NZflygirl]

Think the 321s will be used for peak time golden triangle, East cost-PER routes (freeing up any remaining A330s used there), and East Coast-NZ.

Internationally may be used to NAN (peak times where extra capacity helpful), likely to DPS, perhaps MNL (depending on freight loads and whether that needs an A330) as could do 2xA321s rather than 1xA330 and improve capacity and frequency, and consolidate use on existing routes before "opening up new routes".

They'll largely be used as a capacity +/- frequency boost, not for the extreme of range capability (there maybe one or two niche routes for this, but choice of the XLR is for the overall payload capacity, not range).

I would LOOOOOOOVE this if this happens. Comfy plane transcon and to NZ? I'm in!

 

[ANstar]

I would LOOOOOOOVE this if this happens. Comfy plane transcon and to NZ? I'm in!

Give me an A321 over a 737 anyday

 

[Lucass]

Random question but why is it taking so long for Qantas to get their first a321xlr? It did it's first flight on 8th April, but still hasn't arrived, is this unusual, do a321xlr's normally take this long to be delivered?

 

[jb747]

Random question but why is it taking so long for Qantas to get their first a321xlr? It did it's first flight on 8th April, but still hasn't arrived, is this unusual, do a321xlr's normally take this long to be delivered?

When an aircraft does its first flight, it’s only complete as far as the aviation bits are concerned. The cabin fit out may not have started at all.

 

[NZflygirl]

When an aircraft does its first flight, it’s only complete as far as the aviation bits are concerned. The cabin fit out may not have started at all.

Does the aircraft need to do a test flight again after the cabin fit out? Or only on the initial aircraft cabin fit out and then the rest of the aircraft don't require it?

 

[clifford]

We all need to be careful what we wish for. If the A321 is anything like the 220, it won't be nice. Very restricted room between seats in both J and Y.

At least that's my experience, and Qantas isn't going to make it any better.

 

[moa999]

it won't be nice.

What are you expecting.

It's a domestic bus.
We know it's not going to be a massive step change, but it's the first new aircraft (let alone type) on the golden triangle routes on over 11 years.
No seat back IFE and similar recliner J and basic Y seats.

 

[Lucass]

What are you expecting.

It's a domestic bus.
We know it's not going to be a massive step change, but it's the first new aircraft (let alone type) on the golden triangle routes on over 11 years.
No seat back IFE and similar recliner J and basic Y seats.

The seats will be wider and cabin quieter, I know it’s not revolutionary but it will certainly be better than the 737

 

[clifford]

The seats will be wider and cabin quieter, I know it’s not revolutionary but it will certainly be better than the 737

That's not saying a lot. Surely biz should be a bit nicer than it is for the $$$$ they charge.

But, oh wait!

 

[moa999]

First outside sighting of future VH-OGB.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1927018442168660458

Reportedly now 7 QF aircraft at various stages of construction.

VH-OGA is next on the production line to be delivered, reportedly next week

 

[evanb]

Random question but why is it taking so long for Qantas to get their first a321xlr? It did it's first flight on 8th April, but still hasn't arrived, is this unusual, do a321xlr's normally take this long to be delivered?

Delay in certification of the business class seat. Required some fixes from manufacturer to satisfy regulators.

 

[Lucass]

Will Qantas start advertising flights as being a321 operated soon? Or will some current 737 routes just be taken over without any changes made

 

[evanb]

Will Qantas start advertising flights as being a321 operated soon? Or will some current 737 routes just be taken over without any changes made

Suspect there will be some launch events. Qantas would never give up a good PR opportunity. However, that's assuming the business class seat certification is settled soon. There's a chance that they could take delivery before and run a series of crew familiarisation and training flights until it's settled, but that's just the water cooler talk I'm hearing. Nothing confirmed.

 

[moa999]

Assume the usual big arrival event will be planned for the SYD hanger.
Presume the aircraft can't fly direct, maybe a KUL stop like recent JQ deliveries.

 

[TheInsider]

Once QF have the aircraft it will. Probably take a few months before tickets are released and then put on a commercial flight.
There is a lot of gate testing that is needed, as well as training for doors and ground service providers.