This is what flying Qantas business class will look like in the not-too-distant future
First look: new suites on order for popular domestic and international routes.
Passengers flying Qantas between the east coast and Perth will be able to lie flat for the first time.
A new business suite on the Airbus A321XLR fleet will bring a lie-flat bed to Qantas single-aisle aircraft.
The new business suites, due to arrive on the next generation narrowbody aircraft in 2028, will be offered on transcontinental services like Melbourne and Sydney to Perth.
They will also be offered on short and medium haul international routes, such as those into south-east Asia and the Pacific.
Qantas says demand for premium travel is outpacing that of economy, with premium cabin revenue growing at twice the rate across Qantas' international flights.
The new generation of aircraft joining the fleet will offer more premium seats than the existing aircraft they replace, such as the Boeing 737-800.
What will the suites look like?
The new A321XLR suites will be arranged in a 1:1 configuration in an angled herringbone format, which Qantas says will make the most of the space.
Along with a lie-flat bed, each suite will offer a sliding privacy door, a 19-inch entertainment screen, wireless and USB-C charging and free Wi-Fi.
Updated business suites on long-haul aircraft
Qantas has also unveiled a new business suite for the additional Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners on order, with each suite to feature a sliding privacy door for the first time.
Customers flying on such routes as east coast to North America, and from Perth non-stop to Europe, could have the opportunity to make use of new 80-inch lie-flat beds and a wider footwell.
Qantas says these updated seats will be in use from the 2028 financial year.
More economy plus seats coming
Qantas will be expanding its economy plus seating that offers more leg room at a cheaper price than business class.
The offering is currently on its 737, A220 and A321XLR aircraft, with A330s to follow from September 2026.
Economy plus offers up to 40 per cent more legroom, priority boarding and priority access to overhead baggage space.
It goes head-to-head with Virgin's economy x offering.
Demand for premium travel is growing
Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson says demand for premium travel is growing.
"Investing in new aircraft is one of the most significant ways we can enhance the flying experience," she says.
"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."
My all-time favourite destination is ... Cornwall. From the giant seagulls to the blustery beaches, Cornish pasties and fishing villages, it stirs something romantic and seafaring in me.
Next on my bucket list is … Mongolia. I want to go somewhere really unique that feels totally foreign and challenges my way of life.
My top travel tip is … Don’t plan too much. Walk the streets and let it happen. And make sure you check out what’s within a few blocks of your hotel - sometimes the best local food is found that way.
Travel's Top Picks
Travel's Most Viewed
Australia's worst airline for delays might actually be your safest bet
This airline has a 'cheeky secret class' - and the upgrade costs just $45
Forget Melbourne: this city is fast becoming Australia's new cultural capital
Qantas just dropped double points and status credits - here is how to maximise the deal
The world is going crazy for Japan and Japanese food - but I beg to differ
