42 737s Cabin Refresh from 2027

[jb747]

So, QF continues to fly old aircraft, whilst various subsidiaries get the new. You'd think that AJ had never left.

 

[Daver6]

Announcing today that they'll start something in 2027. Given QFs track record that means they might start in 2031 if they're lucky.

Now aren't they buying A321s to replace the domestic fleet? Are they only expecting this to happen in 2040 or something that they're spending all this money on the 737s?

I wonder if they'll add more J seats?

 

[elanshin]

Announcing today that they'll start something in 2027. Given QFs track record that means they might start in 2031 if they're lucky.

Now aren't they buying A321s to replace the domestic fleet? Are they only expecting this to happen in 2040 or something that they're spending all this money on the 737s?

I wonder if they'll add more J seats?

If you add up the current 321XLR orders and 220 orders which are meant to replace the 737 fleet, there's an obvious gap.

Deliveries for all the current order of aircrafts are not meant to be completed until early 2030s so it was clear that some of the 737-800s wouldve had to extend their life time and if we're going into the 2030s then they needed a refresh now.

I was just more surprised it took them that long to announce it, but as with everything, delays are likely in how many seats Recaro can produce for QF per year.

 

[moa999]

Now aren't they buying A321s to replace the domestic fleet

Yes the first arrives in June 2025, then another 6 over the following 12 months.. not exactly clear after that but they have lots of orders and options..

Remember the 737-800 fleet came in over 13 years (2002-2014), and arguably it would be better to actually spread your most numerous fleet over 20-25 yrs.

 

[justinbrett]

The only reason I can think of for QF is if row 4 sales data show they can add a few more extra leg room rows at the cost of 1 full row of pax. Then they might adjust a few more rows to have extra leg room.

Or they might covert row 4 to J; given A321s are going to have 5 rows.

Otherwise going to be a few unhappy J pax when a A321 is swapped to a 737. Makes for an easier transition.

 

[justinbrett]

If you add up the current 321XLR orders and 220 orders which are meant to replace the 737 fleet, there's an obvious gap.

They have purchase rights for more. They will surely go for some A320s and maybe even some A319s for thinner routes (but thicker than A220 routes).

Then you have the JQ orders, and QFg can swap aircraft between the airlines as it sees fit.

QF might even go for the B797 if that ever eventuates.

 

[stm1sydney]

Qantas is fast (or is that slowly?) becoming the Nauru Airlines of the western world.

 

[jakeseven7]

Wow unexpected but good news. Hope the seats are the A220 seats or similar they are super comfortable

 

[elanshin]

Wow unexpected but good news. Hope the seats are the A220 seats or similar they are super comfortable

It'll be the same. QF isn't about to introduce another variable here the only question is IFE or not. I'm guessing the no IFE version.

 

[moa999]

The Exec Traveller article seems to say they will be the same as in the 321XLR.. ie. No IFE.
Not sure if it's the same seat as the A220.

 

[opusman]

Or they might covert row 4 to J; given A321s are going to have 5 rows.

They really should do this, 12 J seats hasn't been enough for years.

 

[DC3]

They really should do this, 12 J seats hasn't been enough for years.

16-20 seats would be good

 

[moa999]

They really should do this, 12 J seats hasn't been enough for years.

Think the 321XLRs will quickly end up on the routes with high J demand.

 

[Supersonic Swinger]

Hopefully they can increase the size of the lavatories. They require some deft yoga moves to turn around in!

 

[Daver6]

They really should do this, 12 J seats hasn't been enough for years.

Might need to figure out better service. Keep hearing reports on short sectors that they can't even get meals out to 12 pax sometimes.

 

[JohnPhelan]

Might need to figure out better service. Keep hearing reports on short sectors that they can't even get meals out to 12 pax sometimes.

Yeah, 20 J pax with one FA serving would be really tight on BNE-SYD or SYD-MEL.

 

[Justinf]

16-20 seats would be good

I flew on a China Eastern A321 with 20 J seats and the legroom was barely better than economy.
Be careful what you wish for.

 

[RooFlyer]

Hopefully they can increase the size of the lavatories. They require some deft yoga moves to turn around in!

Extra lav room Vs saleable seats?

 

[RooFlyer]

Might need to figure out better service. Keep hearing reports on short sectors that they can't even get meals out to 12 pax sometimes.

Easily solved. Just employ the tea/coffee service excuse. "Due to the shortness of the flight, we don't have time to do a meal service to all our valued J pax, so we will hand out packets of pretzels. We thank you for your understanding".

 

[DC3]

I flew on a China Eastern A321 with 20 J seats and the legroom was barely better than economy.
Be careful what you wish for.

AA doesn’t have a problem with the 20 seats from my experience. I can’t speak about China Eastern, and most likely will never experience that.

Have you flown with AA?