Qantas Freight and Australia Post are expanding their domestic air freight capacity with the arrival of the first of three additional Airbus A321 Passenger-to-Freighter (A321P2F) aircraft, supporting growing demand for parcel deliveries across Australia.
Together, the three new aircraft will increase capacity across the Qantas-operated dedicated freighter network by up to 20 per cent, with each flight capable of transporting up to 20,000 Australia Post and StarTrack parcels.
The first aircraft has arrived ahead of the Black Friday sales and Christmas shopping period, when online retail activity is expected to drive higher parcel volumes. The additional capacity will support overnight and next-day deliveries, helping both companies manage increased demand during the peak season.
The aircraft will operate across Qantas Freight’s domestic terminal network, including the new 24-hour freight terminal at Western Sydney International Airport, which began operations in July 2026. The remaining two A321P2F aircraft are expected to enter service by March 2027.
Replacing smaller BAE 146-300 freighters, the larger Airbus A321P2F aircraft can transport greater freight volumes per flight, supporting improved operational efficiency and reduced emissions across the domestic network.
The fleet expansion follows the recent renewal of Qantas Freight and Australia Post’s partnership for another 10 years. The agreement builds on a relationship dating back to 1922, when Qantas transported 106 letters on its first commercial flight.
Under the extended arrangement, the two organisations will continue supporting the transport of more than 75 million parcels and other freight items each year, both domestically and internationally.
Qantas Freight Executive Manager Igor Kwiatkowski said:
“Australia’s freight network plays a critical role in connecting businesses and communities across the country. This investment will help us support Australia Post and respond more effectively as demand for fast overnight deliveries continues to grow.”
Australia Post General Manager Linehaul Fleet and Special Services Mark Davies said:
“Whether it’s a customer making a purchase from a Black Friday sale or a small business sending orders across the country, Australians expect fast and reliable delivery.
“These new aircraft will help us move more parcels across our network and provide additional capacity at a time when online shopping continues to grow and major retail events are driving record parcel volumes.
“Together with Qantas, we’re investing in the infrastructure that keeps Australia connected. The addition of these aircraft, alongside the opening of Western Sydney International Airport’s 24-hour freight terminal, will help strengthen the resilience and capacity of our network for years to come.”
