Qantas has revealed a new Business Suite for its Airbus A321XLR fleet, bringing a lie-flat bed to a Qantas single-aisle aircraft for the first time, as part of the largest fleet renewal in the airline’s history.

The Suites on these next generation narrowbody aircraft have been designed to transform the travel experience on longer routes, including transcontinental services to and from Perth, and on short and medium haul international routes.

According to Qantas, demand for premium travel continues to outpace Economy, with premium cabin revenue growing at twice the rate of Economy across Qantas’ international network.

As a result, the next generation aircraft joining the fleet carry a higher proportion of premium seats than the aircraft they replace.

Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson said the new Suites reflected how demand for premium travel had shifted.

“Investing in new aircraft is one of the most significant ways we can enhance the flying experience,” she said.

“Qantas introduced Business Class to the world in 1979, and we’ve continued to redefine what it means ever since.

“These new Suites on our next generation narrowbody fleet are another step in that journey, transforming the premium cabin experience and the level of comfort for our customers flying on longer domestic and short and medium haul international services,” she said.

The Suites on each A321XLR aircraft will be arranged in a 1-1 configuration in an angled herringbone layout, a first for a Qantas single-aisle aircraft, making the most of the cabin space to give every customer a lie-flat bed and a sliding privacy door.

Comfort and privacy have shaped the design, creating a space to work, enjoy a meal and sleep on longer overnight flights, according to Qantas.

Each Suite offers a 19-inch entertainment screen, wireless and USB-C charging to keep devices powered, fast and free Wi-Fi to stay connected, and generous storage that keeps a laptop and personal items within reach throughout the flight.

The first of the 16 A321XLRs configured with the new Business Suites is scheduled to arrive in 2028 and the next generation aircraft has a range of up to 8,700 kilometres, more than 3,000 kilometres further than the Boeing 737.