Qantas group signs for A321XLR

[Erik H. Bakke]

36 A321XLRs, where 26 are upgauged existing orders, 10 new.

https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/qantas-group-commits-to-taking-36-a321xlrs-459147/

[Phil Stevens]

Any ideas on which routes will justify these and their range?

[MarkR]

The link posted had possible answers:

It can fly routes like Cairns-Tokyo or Melbourne-Singapore, which existing narrowbodies can’t, and that changes the economics of lots of potential routes into Asia to make them not just physically possible but financially attractive."

Airbus launched the A321XLR at the Paris air show on 17 June, which offers range of 4,700nm - around 700nm more than the A321LR.

[Erik H. Bakke]

I'd also expect to find them on routes around the 7000-7400km range, routes the A321LR would also be able to fly, but where the XLR will be able to fly with higher loads as the increased max weights mean they'll be able to carry more fuel even with a full cabin.

PER-AKL, MEL/SYD-BKK, BNE-HKG, BNE-HNL, MEL-MNL, possibly to provide seasonal scale up/down or to supplement existing services.

[MarkR]

Joyce indicated the routes would be those currently serviced by JQ in the main, although he did say the final airline destination is not decided, its clear they are looking at JQ first, and as such the likely routes would be JQ ones. Make sense when it comes to adding the type to the AOC.

[Adam W]

Just putting this out there.

With the A321XLR going to JQ, what's the liklihood of the JQ 787s being tranferred to Qantas to allow retirement of the older A330s, the oldest of which is now 17 years?

[Rowan McKeever]

Wouldn’t rule it out, at least some of them, nor would I rule out that some of the A321neo fleet (including LR and XLR) will go to other airlines within the group besides Jetstar Australia. Indeed, discussion on another forum suggests the internal rumour at Qantas is a roughly equal split between QF, JQ and 3K.

[MarkR]

Indeed, discussion on another forum suggests the internal rumour at Qantas is a roughly equal split between QF, JQ and 3K.

3K wont be getting any of them, it’s withering on the vine with no further capital to be injected nor equipment supplied from Qantas group. I believe the Dreamliner will come into the QF fleet while the A321s for first five years are with JQ, much like the introduction of the 787s in the first place.

[MarkR]

35xA321XLRs will be announced Thursday for QF as 737 replacements

[Lauren J]

35xA321XLRs will be announced Thursday for QF as 737 replacements

Why wouldn't they choose an aircraft like the A320NEO or A321NX for that role? It seems weird to use a jet with such long legs as a replacement for a domestic aircraft.

[Zac M]

Flexibility, I’d say more A220 will eventually be ordered and they’ll use the two interchangeably on most domestic routes, purely a guess, but in my head that makes sense

[Brenden S]

I find it interesting how they are all PW powered. I am surprised no CFM powered NEO's have been ordered, especially with all the PW issues around the world. There is currently a Vietjet A321 NEO grounded needing an engine change here in Perth.