Qantas boosts fleet renewal with 737 upgrades and A380s return to service
February 27, 2025
Qantas, has revealed a significant investment in its fleet renewal plan, which includes extensive cabin upgrades for more than half of its Boeing 737-800s and the return to service of its remaining two Airbus A380s.
The Qantas Group, which includes low-cost carrier Jetstar, reported strong results for the second half of 2024, with an 11% increase in underlying pre-tax profit, reaching A$1.39 billion in the six months to 31 December. During this period, the group expanded its fleet by adding 11 new aircraft and five mid-life aircraft, including A220s and A321LRs.
Qantas and Jetstar currently have more than 100 aircraft on firm order with additional purchase options in place. Seven narrowbody aircraft are expected to be delivered by the end of June, including Qantas’ first A321XLR (delayed by two months), two A220s and four more aircraft for Jetstar.
In addition to the new aircraft, Qantas is investing heavily in upgrading its existing fleet, with around 80 aircraft set to undergo cabin refurbishments. More than 42 of Qantas’ Boeing 737s will be fitted with new cabins, including next generation business and economy seats along with larger overhead lockers.
The Australian carrier also plans to return its remaining two A380s to return to service later this year. Additionally, the airline’s first Project Sunrise A350-1000ULR is scheduled to enter the final assembly stage in September 2025, ahead of its delivery in the latter half of 2026.
“Investing in our fleet is one of the most significant ways we can transform the flying experience for our customers,” said Qantas Group CEO, Vanessa Hudson.
“As we bring more new aircraft into our fleet, we are also making our existing aircraft look and feel like new,” she added.
This year, Qantas will also begin upgrading the economy cabins for 10 of the Airbus A330-200s in its fleet. In addition to including the installation of new seating and screens, all curtains and carpets will also be replaced with new mood lighting installed.
Meanwhile, Jetstar’s multi-million-dollar 787 upgrade programme will see the overhaul of economy and business class cabins, along with WiFi connectivity beginning in 2026.
The 737 aircraft being upgraded are expected to be phased out as part of Qantas’ broader fleet renewal programme, which will see the new Airbus A321XLRs progressively replace the 737s over the next decade with more A220s also joining the fleet. Currently, five new A220s are already in operation.
