Qantas will introduce a next-generation inflight experience across more domestic and short-haul international flights with the announcement of a major Boeing 737 cabin upgrade program to complement the extensive fleet renewal that is already underway.
The additional investment to improve the flying experience for Qantas customers on existing aircraft will see 42 of the airline's 737 aircraft receive a full cabin overhaul, including:
- New Business seats
- New Economy seats
- New, larger overhead lockers with up to 50 per cent more space, making it easier for every customer to store their carry on bags
- Full cabin refresh including new carpets, sidewalls and mood lighting
- The aircraft will continue to be enabled with fast and free Wi-Fi
The upgrade program will deliver a modern 'as-new' cabin and align the customer experience with the airline's new domestic fleet.
The first refurbished aircraft is expected to start flying from 2027. 737s operate across the airline's domestic network, trans-Tasman routes as well as to short-haul international destinations like Bali, Fiji and Vanuatu.
The cabin upgrades are a critical part of the airline's overall domestic fleet investment that will see the new Airbus A321XLR progressively replace the 737s over the next decade and more of the smaller A220s to join the fleet (with five new A220s currently in operation).
Qantas will be one of the first airlines in the world to operate the A321XLR. Its first aircraft entered the final assembly in November, and has just been painted in the Qantas livery with new photos and vision released today.
The aircraft is scheduled to arrive in June, with a total of four of the next generation aircraft expected by the end of the calendar year.
The A321XLR offers more comfortable Economy seats, a 66 per cent increase in Business seats, a quieter flight, long and wide spacious cabin, extra-large overhead lockers and fast free Wi-Fi.
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Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson said the suite of cabin upgrade programs across the Group complemented the largest fleet renewal program in the airline's history.
"Investing in our fleet is one of the most significant ways that we can transform the flying experience for our customers and make sure we're consistently delivering a great journey," said Ms Hudson.
"As we bring more new aircraft into our fleet, we are also making our existing aircraft look and feel like new.
"Previous cabin upgrade programs have delivered great outcomes for our customers, and allowed us to bring next generation designs and technologies to current fleet that reflect how our customers want to travel."
"This investment in cabins will also support our people who are dedicated to providing the best inflight experience to our customers," added Ms Hudson.
The 737 aircraft being upgraded are scheduled to leave the Qantas fleet towards the end of the renewal program. Some of the remaining aircraft due to retire earlier will also undergo cabin improvements.
Qantas and Jetstar have more than 100 new aircraft on firm order (with many more purchase right options) and now, more than 80 aircraft that are set to undergo cabin upgrades.
See Fact Sheet for overview of Qantas Group cabin upgrade and fleet renewal.
Summary of refurbishment programs:
- Qantas A330-200s: Ten Airbus A330-200s will have significant cabin uplifts, with work starting this year, including installation of the brand new "Project Sunrise" Economy seats, with 20 per cent larger entertainment screens and USB-C fast charging and Bluetooth audio connectivity. All curtains and carpets will also be replaced with new mood lighting installed.
- Jetstar 787s: Jetstar's multimillion dollar 787 upgrade program includes overhauling the economy and business class cabins with brand new seats and Wi-Fi connectivity from 2026. The business class offering will also more than double in response to growing premium demand, increasing from 21 seats to 44.
