The first planes in Qantas’ domestic fleet renewal program are due to arrive in Australia this month, with two of them named after NSW destinations.

Qantas staff were asked to nominate names for the new Airbus A321XLR fleet, based around the theme 'Walks, Rivers & Roads'. 'Murray River' and 'Seven Peaks Walk' were chosen from among the suggestions.

Australia's longest river, the Murray, starts in the Snowy Mountains of NSW. Seven Peaks Walk is located on the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Lord Howe Island and traverses pristine beaches, subtropical palm forests, sea cliffs and volcanic peaks.

Qantas has ordered 28 new Airbus A321XLR aircraft as part of the progressive replacement of the group’s fleet of Boeing 737s over the next decade.

The A321XLR is five metres longer than the 737 it replaces and will seat 197 passengers – an increase of 13 per cent in total seat capacity
with no reduction in space between seats. Its baggage compartments are also 60 per cent bigger.

The next generation A321XLRs burn less fuel and generate fewer
emissions per seat than previous generation aircraft on similar
routes.

Qantas customers will be the first in the Asia Pacific to experience the Airbus A321XLR.

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.

“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.”