Qantas has announced a major Boeing 737 cabin upgrade programme to complement the extensive fleet renewal work that is already underway. The B737 programme will involve a full cabin overhaul on 42 of the airline’s B737 aircraft fleet, which operate domestic Australian routes, trans-Tasman routes and short-haul international flights to destinations such as Bali, Fiji and Vanuatu.
The B737s will be fitted with new business-class seats, new economy-class seats, larger overhead lockers with up to 50% more stowage space for carry-on bags, as well as a full cabin refresh including new carpets, sidewalls and mood lighting, and inflight connectivity systems, if required.
The rejuvenated B737s, expected to start flying from 2027, will then provide an inflight experience consistent with Qantas’ newer domestic fleet such as its five new A220-300s now in operation.
The B737 aircraft being upgraded are scheduled to leave the Qantas fleet towards the end of the renewal programme. Some of the remaining aircraft due to retire earlier will also undergo cabin improvements.
The Qantas B737 fleet is then due to be progressively replaced by new Airbus A321XLRs and more A220s. Qantas is scheduled to receive its first A321XLR in June, with a total of four of the next generation aircraft expected by the end of 2025. Qantas’ first A321XLR entered final assembly in November, and has just been painted in the Qantas livery.
Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson said the cabin upgrade programmes across the group (Qantas and Jetstar) complement the largest fleet renewal programme in the airline’s history.
The bigger retrofit picture
Qantas and Jetstar have more than 100 new aircraft on firm order (with many more purchase right options) and more than 80 aircraft are due to receive cabin upgrades.
Qantas’ 10 A330-200s will are to undergo major cabin refits, with work starting this year, including installation of the brand new ‘Project Sunrise’ economy seats, with 20% larger entertainment screens and USB-C fast charging and Bluetooth audio connectivity. All curtains and carpets will also be replaced, and new mood lighting installed.
Meanwhile Jetstar’s multimillion dollar Boeing 787 upgrade programme includes overhauling the economy and business-class cabins with new seats and wi-fi connectivity from 2026. The business-class seat count will also more than double in response to growing premium demand, increasing from 21 seats to 44.
