Qantas unveils lie-flat business class suites for Airbus A321XLR and Boeing 787 fleet

Qantas passengers will be able to lie flat in business class on a single-aisle aircraft for the first time as the airline rolls out a major cabin upgrade across its future fleet.

The airline has unveiled new business suites for 16 Airbus A321XLR aircraft due to begin arriving in 2028. The planes are expected to operate longer domestic services including transcontinental routes to and from Perth as well as short and medium-haul international flights.

The suites will be arranged in a 1-1 angled herringbone configuration, giving every business passenger direct aisle access, a lie-flat bed and a sliding privacy door.

It marks a significant change for Qantas’ narrowbody fleet, which has traditionally used reclining business class seats rather than the lie-flat products offered on larger long-haul aircraft.

Qantas Group chief executive Vanessa Hudson said the investment reflected growing demand for premium travel.

“Investing in new aircraft is one of the most significant ways we can enhance the flying experience,” Ms Hudson said.

“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.”

Qantas said premium cabin revenue across its international network was growing at twice the rate of economy, with its next generation aircraft carrying a greater proportion of premium seats than the planes they replace.

Each A321XLR business suite will include a 19-inch (48cm) entertainment screen, wireless and USB-C charging, storage for laptops and personal items and fast, free wi-fi.

The A321XLR has a range of up to 8700km, more than 3000km further than the Boeing 737, giving Qantas greater flexibility to use the single-aisle aircraft on longer routes.

The airline has also unveiled an updated business suite for its additional Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners on order.

Each aircraft will carry 42 business suites, with sliding privacy doors to feature on a Qantas Dreamliner for the first time.

The updated seats will convert into 203cm lie-flat beds and include a wider footwell developed following ergonomic trials and customer feedback.