Qantas to Upgrade 42 Boeing 737 Cabins, A321XLR Update

SYDNEY- Australian flag carrier Qantas (QF) revealed plans to implement a next-generation inflight experience across its domestic and short-haul international routes through a major Boeing 737 cabin upgrade initiative.

This enhancement program will complement the airline’s ongoing fleet renewal efforts.

Photo: By Bidgee, CC BY-SA 3.0 au, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=95821870

Qantas 737 Cabins Upgrade

The airline will invest in improving customer experience by completely overhauling 42 of its existing Boeing 737 aircraft.

The renovations include installation of new Business and Economy class seats, larger overhead compartments offering up to 50 percent more storage capacity, and a full cabin refresh featuring new carpets, sidewalls, and mood lighting. The aircraft will maintain their fast and free Wi-Fi capabilities throughout the upgrade process.

These comprehensive renovations aim to deliver modern, essentially new cabin environments that align with the customer experience provided by Qantas’ new domestic fleet. The first refurbished aircraft is expected to enter service in 2027.

The Boeing 737s currently operate throughout Qantas’ domestic network, on trans-Tasman routes, and to short-haul international destinations including Bali, Fiji, and Vanuatu.

This cabin upgrade initiative represents a critical component of Qantas’ broader domestic fleet investment strategy. Over the next decade, the airline plans to progressively replace the 737s with new Airbus A321XLR aircraft while also expanding its fleet of smaller A220s, of which five are currently in operation.

Photo: Qantas

First A321XLR Operator in Asia Pacific

Qantas will join the ranks of global aviation pioneers as one of the first airlines worldwide to operate the Airbus A321XLR. The carrier’s first aircraft has completed final assembly in November and has now been painted in Qantas livery, with new photos and video footage released today.

The initial A321XLR will arrive in June, with a total of four next-generation aircraft expected to join the fleet by the end of this calendar year.

Passengers will benefit from the A321XLR’s enhanced features, including more comfortable Economy seating, a 66 percent increase in Business class capacity, quieter cabin environment, spacious interior, expanded overhead storage, and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi.

Photo: Reuters

CEO Remarks

Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson emphasized that these cabin upgrade initiatives complement the most extensive 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,” Hudson stated.

“As we bring more new aircraft into our fleet, we are also making our existing aircraft look and feel like new,” she added.

Hudson noted that previous cabin upgrade programs yielded positive customer outcomes by incorporating next-generation designs and technologies that align with passenger preferences.

“This investment in cabins will also support our people who are dedicated to providing the best inflight experience to our customers,” Hudson remarked.

The 737 aircraft scheduled for upgrades will exit the Qantas fleet toward the conclusion of the renewal program. Additional aircraft slated for earlier retirement will also undergo cabin improvements.

The Qantas Group has placed firm orders for over 100 new aircraft, with numerous additional purchase options, while more than 80 existing aircraft are scheduled for cabin upgrades.

The refurbishment initiatives include significant cabin enhancements for ten Qantas A330-200s starting this year. These will feature the new “Project Sunrise” Economy seats with 20 percent larger entertainment screens, USB-C fast charging, and Bluetooth audio connectivity. Complete replacement of curtains and carpets will accompany new mood lighting installation.

Jetstar’s 787 fleet will undergo a multimillion-dollar upgrade program from 2026, featuring all-new Economy and Business class seating plus Wi-Fi connectivity. Business class capacity will more than double from 21 to 44 seats, responding to increasing premium travel demand.

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