Qantas Unveils New Business Suites for A321XLR and 787-9
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Qantas has unveiled its next generation of Business Class seating, including a new Business Suite for the Airbus A321XLR that will bring lie-flat seats to a Qantas single-aisle aircraft for the first time. The new suites will feature a 1-1 layout, sliding privacy doors, 19-inch entertainment screens, wireless and USB-C charging, personal storage, and fast, free Wi-Fi. Qantas expects the first of 16 A321XLRs with the new suites to arrive in 2028. It is also planning to introduce an updated Business Suite on its future Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.
Qantas Brings Lie-Flat Business Class to the A321XLR
The new Business Suite will introduce several features typically found on larger aircraft to Qantas’ single-aisle fleet, giving passengers more space and privacy on longer domestic and international flights. The carrier plans to configure 16 A321XLRs with the new offering, with the first aircraft scheduled to arrive in 2028.
Each A321XLR will feature 16 Business Class seats spread across eight rows in a 1-1 angled herringbone layout, a first for a Qantas single-aisle aircraft. Every Business Class passenger will have direct aisle access, a lie-flat bed, and a sliding privacy door. Qantas designed the seat for longer domestic and international routes, including transcontinental flights to and from Perth.
“Investing in new aircraft is one of the most significant ways we can enhance the flying experience,” said Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson. “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,” Hudson added.
Each suite will also include a 19-inch in-flight entertainment (IFE) screen, wireless and USB-C charging, and fast, free Wi-Fi. Qantas has added personal storage that keeps a laptop and other items within reach throughout the flight. Combined with the lie-flat bed and privacy door, the suite gives passengers more space to work, relax, dine, or sleep.
The A321XLR can fly up to 5,405 miles (8,700 kilometers), more than 1,864 miles (3,000 kilometers) farther than the Boeing 737. The additional range gives Qantas more flexibility to operate longer routes with a single-aisle aircraft.
Qantas Evolves Its Business Suite for the 787-9
Alongside the A321XLR product, Qantas has unveiled an updated Business Suite for the additional Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners joining its fleet. Each aircraft will feature 42 Business Suites, with Qantas adding sliding privacy doors to its Dreamliner Business Class product for the first time.
The updated seat builds on the Business Suite already found on Qantas’ 787-9s while adding more space and privacy for long-haul travel. Each suite will feature an 80-inch lie-flat bed and a wider footwell, giving passengers more room to stretch out and sleep. Qantas customized the wider footwell following ergonomic trials and customer feedback. The airline will also add a 19-inch IFE screen and redesigned personal storage.
In terms of finish, Qantas has brought elements of Australia into the design, with the personal storage area featuring a color inspired by the red earth of Western Australia’s Pilbara region. Like the A321XLR product, the updated Dreamliner suite places a greater focus on privacy, personal space, technology, and sleeping comfort.
The new seats come as demand for premium travel continues to grow. Qantas said premium cabin revenue across its international network is growing at twice the rate of economy class, leading the airline to increase the share of premium seats on its next-generation aircraft.