Airbus has delayed delivery of the first A321XLR to Qantas. Previously expected in April, the ultra-long-range narrow-body aircraft will only arrive in Australia in June.
Qantas confirmed the delay, but said it intends to have four of the aircraft by the end of the calendar year.
The first aircraft entered final assembly last November and rolled out of the paint shop in Hamburg in recent days.
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The European planemaker has been dealing with supply chain issues, particularly with the engines for the A320neo and A220 family.
CFM has delayed deliveries of the Leap1-A while Pratt & Whitney is grappling with a recall of the GTF turbofan.
Qantas’ A321XLR will be powered by the PW1133GR-JM engine, a variant of which was certified by Europe’s EASA a few weeks ago.
Main cabin retrofit on 42 Boeing 737-800s
While it does not have new aircraft at the expected rate, Qantas has decided to renovate the main cabin of 42 of its 75 Boeing 737-800s.
The retrofit will include new seats in business and economy class, overhead bins that are up to 50% more spacious, upgrades to the cabin finish and the provision of free Wi-Fi.
The first upgraded 737 is expected to return to service in 2027, Qantas expects.
