Qantas A321XLR Business Class:
A First Look at Australia’s New Premium Narrowbody

By PrestigeFly

Qantas has revealed its all-new business class cabin for the Airbus A321XLR, set to transform transcontinental and Asian routes when deliveries begin in late 2025. Here's why this matters for premium travelers.

The Cabin: Compact Luxury Redefined

✈️ Seat Specs (Collins Aerospace MiQ)

  • 21-inch width (same as current A330 business)
  • 44-inch pitch with zero-gravity recline (near-flat)
  • Privacy wings + 15.6-inch 4K touchscreen
  • Wireless charging + dual device holders

🌏 Route Strategy

City PairFlight TimeCompetitive EdgeMelbourne-Singapore | 7h40m | Only direct narrowbody option
Sydney-Jakarta | 6h20m | Beats Garuda's 737 business
Brisbane-Manila | 8h | First-ever direct route

PrestigeFly First Impressions

✅ Wins On:

  • Point-to-point convenience (avoids Sydney/Melbourne hubs)
  • Modern tech (best narrowbody entertainment in Oceania)
  • QF loyalty (earn Status Credits faster on frequent routes)

⚠️ Limitations:

  • Not fully lie-flat (unlike A330/787)
  • Limited storage (typical narrowbody constraint)

Pro Tip: Book odd-numbered window seats for extra privacy.

How It Compares to Regional Business Classes

AirlineAircraftSeat TypePrivacyQantas | A321XLR | Zero-G Recline | Wings
Singapore Airlines | A350 | Full Flat | Doors
Cathay Pacific | A321neo | Recliner | Minimal

The Bigger Picture

Qantas' move signals:
✔ More direct international routes from secondary cities
✔ Premium narrowbody standardization (replacing 737s)
✔ Pressure on Virgin Australia to upgrade its 737 business

Explore More Premium Narrowbody Travel

🔗 Qantas' Official A321XLR Announcement
🔗 Best Business Class Under 8 Hours (The Points Guy)
🔗 Why Airlines Love the A321XLR (CNN)