The new cabin class will provide up to 40 per cent more leg room, plus priority boarding privileges and priority access to overhead baggage storage in the cabin.
With Qantas in the middle of a significant fleet renewal project, new aircraft coming into service – specifically the A321XLR and A220 aircraft – will already be configured for Economy Plus and the airline will begin altering its existing 737 aircraft to provide Economy Plus options next month.
Higher levels of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program – the platinum and gold tiers – will receive free upgrades to Economy Plus and the class will be available to book for a yet-to-be-announced fee by other passengers.
“This is an evolution of our Economy offering and delivers more choice for our customers while recognising our most loyal frequent flyers with expanded benefits, in the areas we know they value the most,” said Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson.
“We’re always looking for ways to enhance the onboard experience and maximise comfort for our customers.
“We believe this new seating product will be popular with our corporate and leisure travellers when it launches next year.”
On the same day it announced its new cabin class, Qantas also confirmed progress on Project Sunrise, which will see the airline operate non-stop services from Australia’s east coast to London and New York.
The first ultra-long-range aircraft that will service these routes is currently being assembled at an Airbus facility in France, with much of the aircraft having come together already – engines and flight test instruments are being installed now.
An “extensive test flight programme” will begin next year, ahead of the aircraft servicing routes of up to 22 hours in duration.
“Given Australia’s position in the world, Qantas has a long history of breaking aviation barriers,” said Hudson.
“Project Sunrise will not only overcome the tyranny of distance, it will fundamentally change the way our customers travel the world.
“These flights will cut up to four hours off the journey and transform how people experience ultra long-haul travel, through science backed design to minimise jetlag and maximise wellbeing.”
Project Sunrise is a little behind schedule, with the first flights originally expected from late this year. Operating flights as part of Project Sunrise are now expected to begin in the first half of 2027.
