Qantas to upgrade 737 cabins, fully restore A380s this year

Qantas has announced a cabin upgrade programme for more than half of its Boeing 737-800s, as part of wider fleet renewal plans that will also see the return to service of the airline’s last pair of stored Airbus A380s. The airline says 42 of its fleet of 75 737s will undergo a cabin overhaul, which will see new seats in business and economy classes, as well as larger overhead storage compartments. The 737s with refreshed cabins will enter service in 2027 and will be deployed across its domestic and short-haul networks. The announcement – made alongside the release of its half-year financial results – comes as the airline prepares to take delivery of its first A321XLR which will eventually replace the 737s. The first A321XLR (to be registered VH-OGA) will be delivered in June, says Qantas, two months later than previously disclosed. Still, Qantas notes that the 42 737s picked for the cabin overhaul are “scheduled to leave the Qantas fleet towards the end” of its ongoing fleet renewal programme. “As we bring more new aircraft into our fleet, we are also making our existing aircraft look and feel like new,” adds Qantas chief Vanessa Hudson. Qantas Group, which also comprises low-cost operator Jetstar, received 11 new aircraft in the six months ended 31 December 2024, including more A220s and A321LRs, which operate for Jetstar. Seven more narrowbody aircraft – including the first A321XLR – are expected to be delivered by end-June.<br/>