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.