Qantas will introduce a next-generation experience across domestic and short-haul international flights with a major Boeing 737 cabin refresh. A total of 42 aircraft will be upgraded with new Business and Economy seats, larger overhead bins and more.
On Thursday (February 27, 2024), Qantas announced a major cabin upgrade for their fleet of 42 Boeing 737s. This complements the airline’s extensive fleet renewal that is already underway. The refreshed 737s will feature New Business Class and Economy seats and Larger overhead bins with 50 percent more space, as well as new carpets, sidewalls and mood lighting. Additionally, the aircraft will continue to be equipped with fast, free Wi-Fi. Once completed, the upgrade will deliver an ‘as-new’ cabin, aligning the guest experience with Qantas’ new generation domestic fleet. The first refurbished 737 is expected to enter service from 2027.
In Thursday’s announcement, Qantas Group’s CEO, Vanessa Hudson, said,
“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. 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.”
Qantas' Fleet Renewal and Cabin Upgrade Program - Courtesy Qantas
The cabin upgrade is part of the carrier’s domestic fleet investment, which will eventually see the 737s progressively replaced by new Airbus A321XLRs over the next decade. Qantas will be among the first airlines to operate the Airbus A321XLR. The carrier’s first aircraft entered final assembly in November, and has just been painted in the Qantas livery. Scheduled to be delivered in June, the aircraft will feature more comfortable Economy Class seats, 66 percent more Business Class seats, extra-large overhead bins and free, fast Wi-Fi.
Qantas' First Airbus A321XLR is Scheduled for Delivery in June 2025 - Courtesy Qantas
Qantas and Jetstar have over 100 new aircraft on firm order, along with many more purchase right options. Currently, more than 80 existing aircraft are set to undergo cabin upgrades. Starting this year, ten Airbus A330-200s will receive an extensive cabin refresh, including installation of new ‘Project Sunrise’ Economy seats, 20 percent larger IFE screens, USB-C fast charging, and Bluetooth connectivity. Additionally, Jetstar’s multimillion dollar 787 Dreamliner upgrade program features new Business and Economy seats and Wi-Fi connectivity from 2026. Based on increasing demand, the Business Class cabin will also be expanded from 21 to 44 seats.
Source: Qantas