QF A321XLR Arrivals

[Greg Hyde]

Old 3rd July 2024, 01:30 PM
Brenden S

Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,106
Default
Qantas A321XLR rego's will be VH-OGA-OGT which was last used on Qantas Boeing 767-338's

[Greg Hyde]

Qantas A321XLR business class: recliners first, flatbeds later?

Qantas’ new Airbus A321XLR jets will debut with domestic-grade recliners in business class, although the airline is considering lie-flat beds for a second wave of deliveries geared more towards international and possibly transcontinental routes.

The versatile ‘extra long range’ versions of the A320neo family will replace the stalwart Boeing 737 as Qantas’ single-aisle workhorse, although the transition is phased across as many as ten years.

Speaking with Executive Traveller on the sidelines of Qantas’ launch of direct flights to Paris,

Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson said she expects the first Qantas A321XLR will be handed over “in the first quarter” of 2025.

Qantas has signed up for an initial 28 A321XLRs with 15 more slated for Jetstar.
The red-tailed A321XLRs will arrive alongside 29 Airbus A220s to replace the Boeing 717s, with the impressive range of both jets seeing them earmarked for domestic and short- to medium-range international flights.

Full story

https://www.executivetraveller.com/news/qantas-a321xlr-business-class

[James Smith]

Airbus MSN12323 is showing on Aviation Flights Group as a QANTAS A321-253NY and to be constructed in Toulouse. Is this the first A321XLR for QANTAS?

[Lauren J]

It seems the -253 uses a derated LEAP-1A33X powerplant, which has a much lower max. continuous thrust. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airbus_A321neo#Engines

Coupled with the information shared earlier, is it likely that 12323 will be registered VH-OGA?

[Greg Hyde]

I don't believe anything until it appears on the VH-reg.

I thought they were being built in Germany, but I could be wrong.

[Fred C]

I believe the QF aircraft will be fitted with the PW engines.

[James Smith]

No, they will be fitted with CFM LEAP-1A33 engines.

[MarkR]

No, they will be fitted with CFM LEAP-1A33 engines.

When the initial order for project Winton was placed it was for Pratts

PROJECT WINTON

Qantas’ A321XLR is five metres longer than the outgoing 737s and will be configured to seat 200 people (20 business, 180 economy) – a 15 per cent increase with no reduction in space between seats. It can fly approximately 3,000km further than the 737 (at 8,700km) and opens up a wider range of direct domestic and short haul international routes (e.g. South East Asia, Pacific islands).
The A220-300 is larger overall than the outgoing 717s and will be configured to seat 137 people (10 in Business, 127 in Economy) – a 25 per cent increase with no reduction in space between seats. It has almost double the range at over 6,000 kilometres, meaning it can fly between any city in Australia.
Both aircraft types will be powered by Pratt & Whitney Geared Turbo Fan engines (PW1100G-JM and PW1500G)

https://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/media-releases/qantas-group-announces-major-aircraft-order-to-shape-its-future/?print=1

[James Smith]

Thanks Mark for the correction. My source was Aviation Flights Group which is still showing CFMs. The QANTAS A321XLRs will be powered by PW1100G-JM engines.

[Greg Hyde]

This may help in deciphering Airbus codes

QF will be A321-271NY

[Fred C]

No, they will be fitted with CFM LEAP-1A33 engines.

Ahh. Ok. Thanks James. :rolleyes:

[Greg Hyde]

Airbus A321XLR Receives EASA Type Certification

Airbus has announced this morning that the A321XLR has received type certification from EASA, paving the way for entry-into-service.

The Chief Engineer of the Airbus A321XLR, Isabelle Bloy, received the EASA Type Certification today.
Furthermore, it is understood that the certification pertinent to the Pratt & Whitney engine version is slated for later this year.
Commenting on the milestone was Christian Scherer, CEO of the Commercial Aircraft business of Airbus:
“Here comes the A321XLR, a differentiated product that brings new value to the market, expanding the possibilities for our airline customers and passengers.”
“With its long range, the A321XLR enables a host of new direct routes, offering natural growth opportunities to our customers and the travelling public.”
“It provides airlines with the efficiency of commonality inside the A320/A321 product range and its versatile cabin a range of service possibilities that are just unique.”
“It is quintessential Airbus!”
“With the certification, we have reached a key milestone.”
“The next step is to prepare the aircraft for its first commercial missions with customers worldwide.”
“We look forward to working with XLR customers to support the integration of the aircraft in their fleets.”

With this in mind, all hands are on deck now for the launch customer of the Airbus A321XLR, Iberia.
Around a month ago, the airline began ticket sales for the new aircraft.
Furthermore, it is understood the official entry-into-service date of the Iberia Airbus A321XLR will be November 14 this year.
Also, the configuration will see 14 seats in Business Class, followed by 168 seats in Economy.

https://aviationsourcenews.com/manufacturer/airbus-a321xlr-receives-easa-type-certification/

[Greg Hyde]

From QF Media

FLIGHT TRAINING TAKES OFF AS QANTAS PREPARES TO RECEIVE ITS FIRST A321XLR

Sydney | Published on 29th August 2024 at 8:36

Qantas pilots have started training in preparation for the first Airbus A321XLR aircraft to arrive in Australia next year with the airline today confirming the cabin experience customers can expect onboard.

As part of Qantas’ fleet renewal program, 28 A321XLR aircraft have been ordered as part of the progressive replacement of its fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft over the next decade, with the first due to arrive in April 2025.

The A321XLR is the longest-range variant of the Airbus A320 family, which will allow Qantas to open up new non-stop routes that aren’t viable with existing aircraft.

The new fleet will offer a more comfortable flying experience for customers with a quieter cabin, deliver more reliable operations and generate fewer emissions per seat than the aircraft they replace.

TRAINING

Ahead of the arrival of the first A321XLR, Qantas pilots have started training on a new CAE 7000XR Series A320 simulator that was shipped from Montreal, Canada, to Australia earlier in the year over a 34-day journey.

More than 240 Qantas pilots are expected to be trained on the A321XLR aircraft over the next three years, opening up new career pathways and promotional opportunities.
Pilots will spend up to 60 hours in the new simulator as part of their broader training program, and then return each year for four recurrency training sessions.

The simulator is fitted with the latest technology and will be one of the few in the world fitted with a dual head-up display.

The A320 simulator is based in the new Sydney Flight Training Centre that is expected to be fully operational with more flight simulators and training equipment to be added by the end of the year.

In addition, around 2,000 cabin crew will also be progressively trained on the new aircraft type as they enter the fleet.

QANTAS A321XLR CABINS

The cabin and seats of the new Qantas A321XLR have been designed with a focus on maximising passenger comfort. Customers can expect:

A more comfortable Economy seat that’s wider than the 737 seat with extra comfort seat cushioning

The largest overhead bins of any single-aisle aircraft that allow for 60 per cent more bags than the 737.
A sense of spaciousness in the long cabin with higher ceilings and large windows, and a wider cabin than the 737.
Fast, free Wi-Fi allowing all customers inflight to stay connected across multiple devices, as well as the improved Qantas Entertainment App for streaming content to their own device.

Seats for 197 passengers across two cabins, with 20 Business seats in a 2-2 configuration and 177 Economy seats[1] in a 3-3 configuration.

See fact sheet for more information and renders of the Business and Economy seats.

COMMENTS
Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson said the arrival of the A321XLR represented significant opportunities for employees and customers.
“Qantas will be one of the first airlines in the world to operate the A321XLR and ahead of the arrival of our first aircraft next year, we’ve started pilot training and finalised the details of the customer experience,” said Ms Hudson.
“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.
“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 to 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.”
A321XLR FACTS
Qantas’ A321XLR is five metres longer than the outgoing 737s and will be configured to seat 197 people (20 business, 177 economy) – a 13 per cent increase across the whole cabin with no reduction in space between seats and a 66 per cent increase in premium seats.
It can fly approximately 3,000km further than the 737 (at 8,700km) and opens up a wider range of direct domestic and short haul international routes (e.g. South East Asia, Pacific islands).
Qantas’ A321XLR will be powered by Pratt & Whitney Geared Turbo Fan engines (PW1100G-JM).
The A321XLR improves noise levels compared to previous generation aircraft.
On a per seat basis, the A321XLR is expected to burn less fuel than the 737 aircraft it replaces.
Qantas employees are helping name the new fleet of aircraft under the theme of Walks, Rivers and Roads as a nod to the iconic travel opportunities across Australia and the importance of connecting this vast landscape and beyond. The first aircraft to arrive will be called Great Ocean Road.

[1] The first three Qantas A321XLRs will arrive configured with 180 Economy seats.

https://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/media-releases/flight-training-takes-off-as-qantas-prepares-to-receive-its-first-a321xlr/

[Christopher Campbell]

Why are the initial 3 configured with 180 seats?

[MarkR]

Golden Triangle ops were capacity trumps the need for another loo

[Ayden H]

OGA's rear fuselage section was spotted at XFW on 12 July 2024, no further updates. Based on current production levels, should be assembled by the end of November.

[Ayden H]

Planespotters.net is now reporting that OGA will be built at Hamburg with test registration D-AXXE.

[Ayden H]

Qantas A321-271NY VH-OGA MSN 12323 (test registration D-AXXE) has been spotted in primer at XFW on 16/11/2024.

[C Patters]

Be great if we can get some initial images of OGA!

[Ayden H]

True, I had a look on Digital Airliners where this data is usually posted, unfortunately there were no pictures of her to be seen. They did mention that she was in hangar 213 though, so if you've got any friends in Hamburg...

P.S. here's the link if anyone's interested: https://digitalairliners.com/2024/11/16/log-hamburg-finkenwerder-xfw-16-11-2024/

[Anthony Collins]

Any engine experts to comment on the choice? So the JQ fleet are CFM and QF have gone with Pratt. Is it fair to say it's no longer like the old days, Ansett and QF had their own engine shops. Today the cost disadvantage of having two different engine manufactures on your Airbus NEO fleet is redundant as all your engine shop visits are outsourced. Plus time between major overhauls on these new generation engines could almost last the life of the aircraft, or one off wing shop visit at most. Or perhaps they have gone power by the hour.

[Ayden H]

The neo order for Jetstar was signed back in 2012, I believe this was before Pratt had officially launched the GTF; the XLR deal for QF wasn't signed until 2022. I don't know why Qantas decided to go with the PW engine, but they did.

[Greg Hyde]

Also the A220 also have P&W engines.

[Ayden H]

That is also true.

[Brenden S]

It also comes down to SFC, just look at the 787 and RR and GE, where GE has better SFC than the RR giving it extra flying time and distance.

[Greg Hyde]

Airbus delivered the 1st A321XLR (A321-253NY) to Iberia (EC-OIL) on 30/10/2024.

The rego may be a pun on fuel saying

[Greg Hyde]

A321-253NY, Qantas, D-AXXE, VH-OGA (MSN 12323)

Spotted at XFW in primer without engines installed

[Ayden H]

I don't know why Aviation Flights still lists it as having CFM engines when Qantas themselves have said it will be PW engined, I guess it's because all XLRs so far have been LEAP engined.

[Tristan S]

PlaneSpotters.net reports it correctly
https://www.planespotters.net/airframe/airbus-a321neo-vh-oga-qantas/e2k50d

[Stirling D]

I don't know why Aviation Flights still lists it as having CFM engines when Qantas themselves have said it will be PW engined, I guess it's because all XLRs so far have been LEAP engined.

I shall fix it up now

[Greg Hyde]

Both Aviation & Planespotters are enthusiast sites. Their data comes from spotters like ourselves, rumors and speculation.

Sometimes they get it right, sometimes they get it wrong.

[Greg Hyde]

A321-253NY, Qantas, D-AXXE, VH-OGA (MSN 12323)

Spotted at XFW in primer without engines installed

Having a look at EC-OIL build time as well as time-off for Xmas.

I'm wondering if OGA might be arriving early ?

[Ayden H]

Possibly, although the PW engine hasn't yet been certified for the XLR.

For interest, these are the variants currently certified for the A321neo (from EASA):

A321-251N
A321-251NX
A321-252N
A321-252NX
A321-253N
A321-253NX
A321-253NY
A321-271N
A321-271NX
A321-272N
A321-272NX

The new PW engined XLR will be the A321-271NY, currently on order by United, Qantas, Wizz Air, VietJetAir, JetSmart, Icelandair, JetBlue, LATAM, Cebu Pacific, Air Transat and Middle East Airlines.

[Ayden H]

Post from Qantas
https://www.instagram.com/p/DC-C-2pzHfs

[James Smith]

A link to a distant, murky photo of the first QANTAS A320-XLR with its fuselage still in primer, outside one of the Airbus hangers at XFW:

https://x.com/tlswatch/status/1868328715664720266?s=46&t=wdZx1fUYZAcB4RrNJUmFQA

Source: DigitalAirliners on X

[Fred C]

FAA certifies P&W 1100G GTF for the A321XLR.

https://simpleflying.com/faa-certifies-pratt-whitney-gtf-engine-airbus-a321xlr/

[Greg Hyde]

From the above

"Meanwhile, on November 30, Qantas shared that its A321XLR had entered the final assembly line (FAL) at Hamburg Finkenwerder Airport (XFW). The Australian carrier said it expects to take delivery of its PW1100G-powered A321XLR on April 30."

[Greg Hyde]

OGA out and about

https://www.flickr.com/photos/194588565@N03/54242976958/in/datetaken/

[Alex Ch]

Can't wait for the XLRs to start arriving. It seems like JQ gets a new LR or 32N every other week lately. The delivery date of 30 April for QF seems like ages!

[Greg Hyde]

A Few more

VH-OGB 12327
VH-OGC 12594

[Mayer F]

A Few more

VH-OGB 12327
VH-OGC 12594
Thanks, Greg. As for VH-OGB, I think you meant 12427.

[Greg Hyde]

Thanks, Greg. As for VH-OGB, I think you meant 12427.

Thanks, Mayer, Dyslexia strikes again

[Stirling D]

VH-OGA has rolled out in full QF scheme. Named Great ocean road

[Greg Hyde]

VH-OGA has rolled out in full QF scheme. Named Great ocean road

No engines and Zorro mask

https://www.flickr.com/photos/133761467@N02/54329010316/in/photostream/

[Craig Murray]

Looks pretty schmick! Does appear a few exits short of a safe evacuation though...

[Brenden S]

Interesting no brake fans.

[Ayden H]

The rear fuselage section for VH-OGB MSN 12427 was spotted at XFW on 22/2/25, test registration is D-AZYY.

[Greg Hyde]

OGA getting painted

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4JItoQ3UPw

[Greg Hyde]

A321-271NY/12323/OGA was added to the VH-Reg on 17/03/25.

[Ayden H]

Planespotters.net is reporting that the MSNs for OGD-OGF are as follows:
OGD 12668
OGE 12762
OGF 12835

These aircraft will be delivered with the 20J 177Y cabin rather than the 20J 180Y seen on the first three (OGA-C).

[Greg Hyde]

VH-OGB test reg is reportedly D-AZYY

[Lauren J]

VH-OGB test reg is reportedly D-AZYY

Thanks Greg this was mentioned a while ago in the thread

[Greg Hyde]

Wizz Air UK A321-271NY made her ff on 18/03/25

D-AZXU, G-XLRA/11631

[Greg Hyde]

Updates from Hamburg

https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1420870179330304&set=pcb.1420870455996943

https://www.facebook.com/ExecutiveTravellerOfficial

Scroll down , various video clips

[C Patters]

Do we know when Qantas will publish the seat maps?

[Greg Hyde]

Spotted with engines installed yesterday

[Ayden H]

VH-OGA pinged for the first time on Flightradar today as 12323S1.

[lloyd fox]

Just then A321F VH-ULW as QFA6143 flew SYD-BNE and taxied straight back for departure back to SYD as QF6144.

I guess this is pilot training for the first XLR ..Why not use a similar aircraft.?

[Ayden H]

QF has announced the names for the next five XLRs, they are as follows:

OGB - Outback Way
OGC - Bibbulmun Track
OGD - Murray River
OGE - Red Centre Way
OGF - Seven Peaks Walk

[Greg Hyde]

From QF Facebook

No mention of which rego to which plane ?

[Greg Hyde]

QF Facebook is certainely giving lots of A321XLR updates

https://www.facebook.com/Qantas/

From March 26

Our first Airbus A321XLR has had its engines installed, with its first test flight scheduled to take place soon.

Our second XLR, VH-OGB, is also progressing across the final assembly line and will enter the paint shop shortly

[Greg Hyde]

OGA performed Engine Run & Taxi Check at XFW yesterday.

[James Smith]

QANTAS A321-271NY VH-OGA (MSN12323, Test registration D-AXXE) had an engine run and taxi check at XFW on 4/4/25. First flight must be pretty soon now.

[Alex Ch]

https://www.airliners.net/photo/Qantas/Airbus-A321-271NY/7825967/L

[Dylan Hardie]

Possible crew training with Network for the XLR's? JQX operating as QFA instead of NWK doing training flights

[Tony JC]

Same is happening with the EFA A321’s

[Brenden S]

Network A320's and EFA A321's are currently doing crew training flights for the XLR EIS

[Ayden H]

Qantas A321-271NY VH-OGA MSN 12323 (test registration D-AXXE) has had its first flight of 3 hours and 30 minutes at XFW on 8/4/25.

[Greg Hyde]

https://www.flickr.com/photos/143531276@N06/54439512510/in/photostream/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/143531276@N06/54439512725/in/photostream/

A couple of shots of OGA learning to fly

[Greg Hyde]

VH-OGB/12427 A321-271NY was added to the VH-reg on 16/04/25

[Ayden H]

VH-OGG now listed on planespotters.net, MSN 12853.

[Greg Hyde]

Do we known if OGA will go any proving/certification flights when it arrives ?

[James Smith]

QANTAS A321-271NY, D-AZYY, VH-OGB (MSN 12427) was spotted in XFW in primer without engines installed on 26/4/25.

[C Patters]

Have we got a delivery date yet for OGA?

[James Smith]

From the QANTAS 1H25 Results (27 Feb) the delivery of OGA is scheduled for sometime in June.

[Greg Hyde]

From the QANTAS 1H25 Results (27 Feb) the delivery of OGA is scheduled for sometime in June.

Do any of your advanced schedule gurus know when it is due to enter service ?

With one test flight under its belt, and probably two more to go, I think it will arrive in a May timeframe (next month).

[MarkR]

Do any of your advanced schedule gurus know when it is due to enter service ?

With one test flight under its belt, and probably two more to go, I think it will arrive in a May timeframe (next month).

I wonder if they will move it forward given the cessation of the Finnair wet lease and other capacity issues?

[James Smith]

QANTAS A321-271NY VH-OGA (MSN12323, Test registration D-AXXE) had an engine run and taxi check at XFW on 14/5/25.