Qantas is introducing a new Business Class cabin on its upcoming Airbus A321XLR planes.
For the first time ever, the airline will have lie-flat Business Class beds on a single-aisle, narrow plane.
Traditionally, this pricey part of an aeroplane has been organised in a 1-2-1 configuration, with one window seat on either side, two in the middle, and two aisles.
For the first time, Qantas will have lie-flat Business Class beds on a single-aisle, narrow plane.
(Qantas)Why is Qantas bringing in this Business Class change?
Qantas said this alteration is due to more people being willing to pay for premium seats.
The airline claimed Business and Premium revenue has been growing at twice the rate of Economy for international flights.
As a result, the airline’s newer planes will have fewer Economy seats than the Boeing 737-800s they’re replacing.
For the first time, Qantas will have lie-flat Business Class beds on a single-aisle plane (pictured).
(Qantas)
“Investing in new aircraft is one of the most significant ways we can enhance the flying experience,” Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson 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.”
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What will Qantas’ Airbus A321XLR Business Class include?
Each Business Class suite offers a 19-inch entertainment screen, wireless and USB-C charging to keep devices powered, fast and free Wi-Fi, and a storage section to keep a laptop and personal items.
Render images of the cabin look stylish and comfortable with a 1-1 configuration in an angled herringbone layout.
The A321XLR planes will be used on longer domestic routes, such as Perth to destinations along Australia’s east coast, as well as some short and medium-haul international flights.
The first of the 16 A321XLRs configured with the new Business Suites is scheduled to arrive in 2028.
The next generation aircraft has a range of up to 8,700 kilometres, more than 3,000 kilometres further than the Boeing 737.
Travellers can lie down and relax on board the aircraft in business class.
(Qantas)Flying Business on the 787 Dreamliner
In comparison, travellers on board the 787 Dreamliner had plenty of space to stretch out.
It features 42 seats in a 1-2-1 configuration, giving every passenger direct aisle access.
The seats can also transform into fully flat beds measuring two metres long and up to 63.5cm wide when converted.
Traditionally, this pricey part of an aeroplane has been organised in a 1-2-1 configuration, with one window seat on either side, two in the middle, and two aisles (pictured).
(Qantas)
In Business Class, the seat also includes a privacy screen, an extendable leg rest, and an adjustable headrest.
Passengers will also have access to USB charging and AC power outlets, along with a large 40cm (16in) high-definition seat-back screen for in-flight entertainment.
On selected routes, Wi-Fi will allow passengers to stream entertainment on their devices, while the Qantas Entertainment App can also stream content directly to a phone or tablet.
Inside the 787 Business Class suite the new aircraft is replacing.
(Qantas)
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