Qantas unveils comfier seats, larger screens and Wi-Fi in economy class
The first pictures of upgraded economy cabins have been revealed.
Australians travelling to select Asian countries will soon have larger entertainment screens and Wi-Fi following a Qantas cabin upgrade.
The airline is refurbishing its A330 aircraft with new economy seats with larger entertainment screens on international flights to Hong Kong, Singapore and Tokyo.
The 13.3-inch, 4K OLED entertainment touchscreens will be 20 per cent larger than the existing screens.
USB-C fast charging and Bluetooth audio connectivity will allow passengers to use their own headphones on board.
Overhaul work on the first A330 is expected to start in mid-2025, with the first refurbished aircraft entering service by the end of 2025. Ten aircraft will be refurbished, with the project expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
Other elements in the upgrade include the replacement of all curtains and carpets, and new mood lighting in the cabin.
The lie-flat seats in business class will remain the same.
Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace said the new economy seats have been maximised for comfort and are the same seats that will feature in the airline's ultra-long-haul A350 aircraft.
"We've used our fleet renewal program to completely rethink the inflight experience and these cabin upgrades mean we can bring next-generation features and designs to our existing aircraft," Mr Wallace said.
Twelve Airbus A350s and 12 Boeing 787s will arrive from 2027 to replace the A350s.
Wi-Fi on more flights
More airlines are making it possible for passengers to stay connected in the air with Wi-Fi.
Qatar Airways has launched the world's first Boeing 777 offering Starlink internet access for free for all passengers, gate to gate.
The satellite service reportedly allows passengers to stay connected with friends and family, stream their favourite entertainment, watch live sports, play online games, or work at 35,000 feet.
The airline plans to introduce 12 Boeing 777-300s upgraded with this service by the end of 2024.
Qantas has also started to expand its international Wi-Fi to select A330 aircraft flying to Asia from December 2024.
Qantas Wi-Fi is already offered on some international routes - but only while flying across Australia - including Hong Kong, Delhi and Bengaluru.
Qantas said the service offers enough bandwidth for every passenger to enjoy a fast and consistent connection, similar to what is available on Qantas domestic flights.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been in hot water over claims he received 22 upgrades from Qantas worth tens of thousands of dollars.
The news comes days after hundreds of Qantas engineers held rolling strikes across the country, fighting for higher pay and better working conditions.
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