Qantas is set to introduce a next-generation inflight experience across more domestic and short-haul international flights with the announcement of a major Boeing 737 cabin upgrade program to complement the extensive fleet renewal that is already underway.

The additional investment to improve the flying experience for Qantas customers on existing aircraft will see 42 of the airline’s 737 aircraft receive a full cabin overhaul, including new Business seats, new Economy seats and larger overhead lockers with up to 50 per cent more space.

There will also be a full cabin refresh including new carpets, sidewalls and mood lighting and the aircraft will continue to be enabled with fast and free WiFi.

Qantas Group CEO, Vanessa Hudson, said the suite of cabin upgrade programs across the Group complemented the largest fleet renewal program in the airline’s history.

“Investing in our fleet is one of the most significant ways that we can transform the flying experience for our customers and make sure we’re consistently delivering a great journey,” she said.

“As we bring more new aircraft into our fleet, we are also making our existing aircraft look and feel like new.

“Previous cabin upgrade programs have delivered great outcomes for our customers, and allowed us to bring next generation designs and technologies to current fleet that reflect how our customers want to travel.”

“This investment in cabins will also support our people who are dedicated to providing the best inflight experience to our customers,” Hudson said.

The first refurbished aircraft is expected to start flying from 2027 and the Boeing 737s to receive the upgrade will operate across the airline’s domestic network, trans-Tasman routes as well as to short-haul international destinations like Bali, Fiji and Vanuatu.

Hudson said the cabin upgrades are a critical part of the airline’s overall domestic fleet investment that will see the new Airbus A321XLR progressively replace the 737s over the next decade and more of the smaller A220s to join the fleet.