Qantas' fleet future takes flight

Qantas' fleet future takes flight

Author: Momentum Media October 1, 2025 Duration: 44:48

It's finally here – the biggest change to Qantas' domestic fleet in decades. The new A321XLR has joined the national carrier with its first commercial flight, and with 48 on order to replace the ageing 737-800s, it's the most ambitious phase yet in the airline's massive fleet renewal program.

With a wider body, more fuel-efficient engines, and a slew of other changes, the A321XLR is a massive leap for the Flying Kangaroo – but does it live up to the hype, and what's being done about the delicate issue of the toilets?

On this week's podcast, Jake has a full trip report of the inaugural flight of the Qantas A321XLR, and he and David discuss what it will do for the airline both domestically and internationally.

Plus, Qantas looks to improve its battered reputation by making it a condition of CEO Vanessa Hudson's bonuses: will it work, or is it just a PR stunt?


You'll find the Australian Aviation Podcast Network right at the intersection of runway tarmac and boardroom strategy. Produced by Momentum Media, this collection of shows digs into the stories that define flight in this part of the world, moving well beyond the headlines. Each episode feels like a hangar chat with the people who know the industry best-pilots, engineers, executives, and analysts-offering a grounded perspective on everything from the engineering marvels of new aircraft to the complex logistics of running an airline. We explore the sheer joy and freedom of recreational flying just as deeply as the tough commercial decisions that keep the sector aloft. Whether it's a discussion on sustainable fuel technologies, the revival of regional routes, or the history behind a beloved aircraft type, the conversation is always driven by genuine curiosity. Tune in for clear, informed talk that connects the dots between the business of aviation and the passion that fuels it, all delivered with a distinct Aussie lens. This podcast network is for anyone who feels that lift of anticipation when an aircraft throttles down the runway, or who simply wants to understand the forces that shape how we connect across this vast continent and beyond.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 385

Australian Aviation Podcast Network
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