Qantas has announced more than half of the cabin upgrade programme for the Boeing 737-800.
The airline says 42 of the 75 737 fleets will be overhauled by the cabin.
With its refreshed cabin, the 737 will be available for service in 2027 and will be deployed across domestic and short-distance networks.
The announcement came alongside the release of its six-month financial results, but the airline is preparing to prepare the first A321XLR deliveries, which will eventually replace the 737. The first A321XLR (a registered VH-OGA) will be released in June, Qantas, two months later than previously disclosed.
Still, Qantas points out that 42 737, selected for the cabin overhaul, is “planning to leave to end the Qantas Fleet” of the ongoing fleet update program.
“As we bring more new aircraft into the fleet, we are making existing aircraft appear new,” adds Qantas Chief Vanessa Hudson.
Qantas Group, made up of low-cost operator Jetstar, received 11 aircraft in the six months ended December 31, 2024. This includes more A220 and A321LRs that run on JetStar.
Seven more narrow aircraft, including the first A321XLR, are expected to be delivered by the end of June.
Qantas also expects the last two preserved A380s to return to service by the end of 2025. The first A350-1000 of Ultra Long Hall Project Sunrise Flight will enter its final rally this September and will be streamed by the second half of 2026.
Additionally, this year we plan to begin economy cabin upgrades for 10 Qantas A330-200s, initially directed to mid-2025. Upgrades will show you the installation of new economy seats. This is the same as that used in Project Sunrise Flights.
Qantas Group improved its financial performance for six months to December 31, 2024, reporting pre-tax profit growth of 11% to $13.9 billion ($875 million).
This increased revenues by 9% to $12.1 billion. Passenger volume for the two airline brands increased by 8.8% to 28.3 million, traffic increased by 12.7% and capacity increased by 10.3%.
