This airline will soon receive its first Airbus A321XLR

Qantas get closer to delivery of A321XLR

By Mark Reif Published December 2, 2024

Qantas A321XLR — Qantas

Qantas is getting closer to receiving its initial Airbus A321XLR, which is beginning final assembly at the Airbus plant in Hamburg, Germany. The plane will be a milestone in the airline’s fleet renewal program, providing enhanced comfort and range and opening up more nonstop routes.

Qantas has 28 A321XLRs on order

Qantas A321XLR — Qantas

Qantas’ initial Airbus A321XLR is scheduled for delivery in April 2025. It’ll be the first of 28 firm orders, with the option to purchase more. During the next decade, Qantas will replace its fleet of Boeing 737s with the new plane and be the first airline using it in the Asia Pacific region. The Australian airline’s A321XLR promises more comfort, efficiency, and range.

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Compared to the prior 737, the A321XLR features 13% more seating capacity, with 20 business seats and 177 economy seats. It can fly about 3,000 km further than the outgoing plane, which has a range of 8,700 km. That’ll open up options for nonstop routes, both domestic and international. The cabin, designed by David Caon, focuses on comfort and uses slightly wider seats.

To commemorate Australia’s amazing travel opportunities, Qantas’ first A321XLR will be named “Great Ocean Road”.

Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson said: “These new aircraft are part of the biggest domestic fleet renewal program in Qantas’ history, which is bringing significant improvements for customers and career opportunities for our people. The A321XLR is a fantastic aircraft, which provides a more comfortable flight for customers and the longer range will in time give us the opportunity to explore more non-stop routes and operate them more efficiently.”

Mark Reif is a writer from Stowe, Vermont. During the winter, he works as a snowboard coach and rides more than 100 days. The…

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Factors that affect the price of first-class flights

First things first, the price of a first-class ticket can vary depending on the different factors at play. But there is a general range, so let’s break it down a bit.
The airline and route
The cost of a first-class ticket depends mainly on the airline and the route you’re taking. For example, on a popular international route like New York to London, a first-class ticket can range from $4,000 to $7,000, sometimes even more. If you’re flying from Los Angeles to Tokyo, that price tag can jump to $14,000 or more. These prices fluctuate based on the airline’s pricing structure and the demand for seats on that specific flight.
The flight duration
Another big factor is the length of the flight. The longer the journey, the more expensive the first-class ticket tends to be. A shorter domestic flight might cost somewhere in the range of $1,000 for a first-class seat, while international flights that can last 10 hours or more could easily push into the $8,000-$15,000 range for first class.
When you book your flight
Timing also plays a big role in the cost of your first-class ticket. The Luxury Travel Expert recommends booking your flight as early as possible to secure the best deals. So if you book months in advance, you’ll probably find better fares. However, airlines do occasionally offer last-minute discounts or promotions to fill seats, although this isn’t always the case. It’s always best to plan ahead, but keep an eye out for any deals, especially during off-peak travel seasons.
The time of year
Airline ticket prices also vary depending on the time of year. Traveling during peak times, like the holidays or summer vacation, will typically result in higher prices. Airlines usually raise prices to accommodate the increased demand during these periods.
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