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Qantas and United Airlines announce premium fleet upgrades
Major airlines are updating their fleets with new premium cabin configurations, specifically focusing on the Airbus A321XLR narrowbody aircraft.
Qantas has announced a significant fleet renewal, including the accelerated retirement of its Airbus A380 fleet starting in 2028. To meet growing demand for premium travel, the airline will introduce lie-flat business class suites on 16 of its incoming A321XLR aircraft, featuring a 1-1 angled herringbone layout with privacy doors. These aircraft are intended for long domestic transcontinental routes and medium-haul international services. Additionally, Qantas is upgrading its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner business class with new suites that include sliding privacy doors.
United Airlines is also deploying the Airbus A321XLR to expand its long-haul capabilities. The airline has ordered 50 of these aircraft, which will feature Polaris business class suites. United plans to use the model to open new routes, such as connecting Ibiza to Newark starting in 2027, leveraging the aircraft's ability to fly long distances with lower capacity requirements than traditional widebody jets.
Entities
Airbus · Boeing · Qantas · United Airlines · Vanessa Hudson
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The new Boeing 787-9 business class suites are expected to be delivered starting in fiscal year 2028. onemileatatime.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The new Boeing 787 business class seats will feature 80-inch lie-flat beds, a 19-inch entertainment screen, and a sliding privacy door. onemileatatime.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Qantas will introduce new business class suites on its ordered Boeing 787-9 aircraft. onemileatatime.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Premium cabin revenue in Qantas' international network is growing at twice the rate of economy class revenue. www.perthnow.com.au
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Qantas has unveiled new business class suites for 16 Airbus A321XLR aircraft arriving in 2028. www.perthnow.com.au
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The A321XLR business suites will use a 1-1 angled herringbone configuration to provide direct aisle access. www.perthnow.com.au