Qantas Moves A321XLR Onto Its Longest Domestic Route

The Australian flag carrier began flying the type in September 2025.

Zach Vasile

Monday, May 04, 2026 at 04:28 PM ET

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Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

Qantas' first Airbus A321XLR, nicknamed "Great Ocean Road." (Photo: Qantas)

Key Takeaways:

Qantas has introduced its newest A321XLR, nicknamed "Murray River," on the Brisbane-Perth route, which is the airline's longest domestic connection.
The carrier plans to acquire a total of 48 A321XLRs, using them to replace its current Boeing 737-800 fleet.
The A321XLRs offer enhanced passenger features, including a quieter cabin, faster wireless internet, and larger overhead bins.

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Qantas’ newest Airbus A321XLR has been put to work on one of the carrier’s busiest domestic routes.

The aircraft, nicknamed “Murray River,” entered service on Monday linking Brisbane and Perth. The connection is Qantas’ longest domestic route.

The carrier has ordered a total of 48 -XLRs and will use them to replace the Boeing 737-800. The A321XLR offers a quieter cabin, faster wireless internet, and larger overhead bins, officials said.

Murray River is scheduled to operate six return services per week between Perth and Brisbane.

Qantas took delivery of its first two A321XLRs last year, and they entered service together in September.

Zach Vasile

Zach Vasile is a writer and editor covering news in all aspects of commercial aviation. He has reported for and contributed to the Manchester Journal Inquirer, the Hartford Business Journal, the Charlotte Observer, and the Washington Examiner, with his area of focus being the intersection of business and government policy.