QANTAS: Boeing 737 Cabin upgrade, similar to A321XLRs — fleet will still be really old

With an average age of more than 15 years, 42 out of 75 Qantas Boeing 737s are to get cabin upgrades and start flying in 2027. Let’s hope they upgrade the newer aircraft that are only 9 years old and get rid of the average 15-year-old planes that are entitled to a pension!

What’s upgraded

Qantas plans (or, in corporate speak, ‘strategy’) to upgrade its Boeing 737 fleet with new Business and Economy cabins. New larger overhead lockers will give the aircraft 50% more storage. Lighting, wall finishes, and carpets will all be replaced.

The new cabins will be used on domestic routes and, as they are now, on trans-Tasman and short-haul international flights to Bali, Fiji, and Vanuatu.

Qantas is doing this upgrade so the 737s can be seen as competitive with their new Airbus A321XLRs and A220s. The first A321XLR has been painted and is expected to arrive in Australia by June. Four are expected by the end of 2025. These will replace the current 737 fleet over the next 10 years.

What’s downgraded

The downgraded elements are not covered in the release. Seat back screens will be a mere memory after these upgrades. You will get a device holder. Good luck juggling that with your meal tray. The device holders sit above the tray table, but dexterity is apparently required.

Forget standard AC power outlets, too. You will only be able to access USB-A and USB-C power sources. According to the fact sheet, seat recline in business class will be reduced from 8″ to 5″.

Let’s just hope that it’s better than the 2016 refresh that installed the world’s smallest toilets.

Seating to take lead form A321XLRs

It’s presumed that the seating design in all cabins will reflect what is being offered in the shiny new A321XLRs. Seat pitch is expected to remain the same in Business as currently available—37 inches, but with a reduced recline.

Other aspects of the A321XLR seating expected to be installed on the 737s are more comfortable Economy seats and possibly more business seats. Qantas has not released full details of the refurbished cabins yet, but don’t expect what Singapore Airlines has recently installed.

2PAXfly Takeout

Am I excited about the refurbishment of the ageing Qantas Boeing 737 fleet? Well, no.

Qantas 737 cabins have not been world-leading for a long time. However, the current cabins on some aircraft are looking noticeably shabby, so an interim upgrade is welcome.

But the main game is aircraft replacement. Am I excited about the A321XLRs? Yes, I am. I love a quieter flight in a new aircraft that’s not past its 21st birthday.