New Era of Pilot Training Takes Flight

Qantas pilots have started training in preparation for the first Airbus A321XLR aircraft to arrive in Australia next year.

As part of Qantas’ fleet renewal program, 28 A321XLR aircraft have been ordered as part of the progressive replacement of its fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft over the next decade, with the first due to arrive in April 2025.

The A321XLR is the longest-range variant of the Airbus A320 family, which will allow Qantas to open up new non-stop routes that aren’t viable with existing aircraft.

Ahead of the arrival of the first A321XLR, Qantas pilots have started training on a new CAE 7000XR Series A320 simulator that was shipped from Montreal, Canada, to Australia earlier in the year over a 34-day journey.

More than 240 Qantas pilots are expected to be trained on the A321XLR aircraft over the next three years, opening up new career pathways and promotional opportunities.

Pilots will spend up to 60 hours in the new simulator as part of their broader training program, and then return each year for four recurrency training sessions.

The simulator is fitted with the latest technology and will be one fitted with a dual head-up display.

The A320 simulator is based in the new Sydney Flight Training Centre that is expected to be fully operational with more flight simulators and training equipment to be added by the end of the year.

In addition, around 2,000 cabin crew will also be progressively trained on the new aircraft type as they enter the fleet.