Qantas has just unveiled the next generation of Business cabins which will equip its future narrow-body aircraft, with two new features previously reserved for long-haul: the fully reclining bed and the sliding privacy door.
Airbus A321XLRs on the front line
It is on the future Airbus A321XLRs, which will replace the aging Boeing 737-800s in the domestic and regional fleet, that these new Business suites will make their debut. The configuration chosen is 1×1 staggered (herringbone format), an arrangement which allows each passenger to have direct access to the aisle while optimizing the space available in a narrow cabin.
Each suite will include:
– a completely flat bed;
– a sliding privacy door;
– a 19-inch entertainment screen;
– wireless and USB-C charging;
– free Wi-Fi on board.
These new suites will be offered on two main types of routes: transcontinental flights within Australia such as Melbourne-Perth or Sydney-Perth, as well as short and medium-haul international routes, particularly to South-East Asia and the Pacific. Qantas justifies this investment by a growing demand for premium cabins, the revenues of which are growing, on its international network, twice as fast as those of the economy cabin.
A movement that goes beyond the single aisle
Qantas took advantage of this announcement to also unveil a new generation of Business suites for its future additional Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, which will also receive, for the first time, a sliding privacy door as well as an 80 cm wide flat bed and increased legroom. These aircraft, wide-body this time, will serve long-haul routes such as the Australian east coast to North America, or even Perth-Europe by direct flight.
Commissioning planned from 2028
According to information provided by the company, these new Business suites will not be deployed immediately. Their entry into service is scheduled for the 2028 financial year, while the new aircraft gradually join the Qantas fleet.