Massive Qantas Updates

Qantas has published several massive updates across its Group following a market update.

From a new cabin class to the upcoming A350-1000ULR and a generalised market update, the airline Group isn’t letting up on growth.

Economy Plus Launched

One of the most exciting endeavours for passengers is Qantas’ bid to enhance the onboard product across its domestic and short-haul international fleet with the launch of its Economy Plus product.

The company is launching this all-new product to give customers more choice when booking its services. Additionally, it will bring in more revenue, with extra-legroom seating, priority boarding, and even priority access to overhead baggage space.

Qantas confirms that the additional legroom will equate to 40% more space for customers, with the new product debuting in February 2026 as part of efforts to raise customer satisfaction levels.

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.

Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson

The planned rollout will see the Airbus A321XLR, A220 and 737 aircraft, which are featured on the domestic network, as well as to New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, feature the product.

Upcoming aircraft will already be equipped with the new cabin, as seen on the two Airbus A220 and A321XLR aircraft; however, the retrofit of the 737 will take place in December. receive complimentary

High-tier frequent flyer members will also receive complimentary access to the Ecolus cabin, with every week over 21,000 seats selected by frequent flyers towards the front of this product.

A Market Update

In the Qantas Group’s most recent update, it revealed that strong trading conditions continue and position the flag-carrier to see improvements.

Group Domestic unit revenue is expected to increase by approximately 3% in 1H 2026, at the lower end of the guidance provided.

The business confirms that leisure, SME, and resource market demand remain strong; however, non-resource corporate demand is growing, albeit at a slower rate than expected.

For the Group’s low-cost division, Jetstar, domestic demand remains strong, which is encouraging following expansion and route network adjustments to prioritise profitable markets.

In terms of international unit revenue, this remains unchanged from previous guidance, with growth expected to be 2-3 percentage points. Qantas feels confident it can retain this assessment because of relatively stable demand.

Capacity, however, will still be lower in the first half, as it is driven by the upcoming entry into service of Airbus A380 aircraft, which are returning after lengthy periods on the ground.

While positives, Qantas remains wary of ongoing geopolitical events, which have led to greater volatility across key elements such as fuel prices and more. This needs to continue to be studied and may affect overall results.

Qantas’ First A350-1000ULR

Meanwhile, Qantas also revealed that significant progress had been made on its first Airbus A350-1000ULR, with a thorough test flight certification program set to commence next year.

The flag-carrier confirmed that all key airframe components, ranging from the forward, centre, and rear fuselages, have come together, allowing the next steps in production to proceed.

Now, the aircraft will be transferred to a separate hangar, where Qantas says engines and key flight-test instruments will be installed.

As a result, and based on the most recent timeframe provided by Airbus, the A350-1000ULr will enter its flight test program in the early stages of 2026 to secure the all-clear for delivery.

Current delivery estimates have the A350-1000ULR arriving in the airline’s fleet sometime towards the backend of 2026, following several delays spurred by the pandemic, which affected the order itself, or by Airbus’ own woes with the new aircraft.

Once delivered, crew familiarisation will occur, and Qantas expects the Project Sunrise flights to commence in early 2027, connecting the likes of Sydney to London and New York without a single stop.