Qantas has announced a significant upgrade to its Airbus A330 fleet, promising passengers a more comfortable and technologically advanced experience. This multimillion-dollar refurbishment program will enhance the airline’s international flights to destinations like Hong Kong, Singapore, and Tokyo.

New Economy Seats and Entertainment

One of the standout features of this upgrade is the introduction of new Economy seats designed with extra comfort in mind. These seats are part of Qantas’ Project Sunrise, aimed at ultra-long-haul flights. Passengers can look forward to:

• 4K OLED 13.3” Entertainment Touchscreens: These new screens are 20% larger than the existing ones and come with the latest generation user interface.
• USB-C Fast Charging and Bluetooth Audio Connectivity: These features allow passengers to use their own headphones and keep their devices charged throughout the flight.

Additional Cabin Enhancements

The cabin upgrade program also includes new mood lighting and the replacement of all curtains and carpets, ensuring a fresh and modern look. The existing Business Suites, which feature fully-flat beds, will remain unchanged due to their continued positive customer feedback.

Timeline and Implementation

The refurbishment of the first A330 is set to begin in mid-2025 at Qantas’ Brisbane maintenance facility. The first upgraded aircraft is expected to enter service by the end of that year. The entire program is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2026.

Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace highlighted the importance of this investment, stating, “We’ve used our fleet renewal program to rethink the inflight experience completely. These cabin upgrades mean we can bring next-generation features and designs to our existing aircraft.”

Future Fleet Plans

Qantas has also announced a firm order for 24 new aircraft, including 12 Airbus A350s and 12 Boeing 787s, set to replace the existing A330s from FY27 onwards. These new aircraft will offer longer ranges, enabling Qantas to operate current routes more efficiently and potentially open new ones.

International Wi-Fi Rollout

In addition to the cabin upgrades, Qantas is rolling out fast and free Wi-Fi across its A330 fleet. Starting from December this year, passengers on certain routes in Asia will be able to enjoy a fast and consistent internet connection, similar to the service already available on Qantas Domestic flights.

With these upgrades, Qantas is set to enhance its passengers’ travel experience by combining comfort, technology, and connectivity to meet the demands of modern international travel.