Qantas is introducing a new class on trans-Tasman flights, with some flyers getting free access

Friday, 7 November 2025

Frequent flyers are going to get first dibs on the seats.

Qantas has announced a new class coming soon for trans-Tasman flights.

Called Economy Plus, the new seats offer up to 40% more legroom and will be available from February next year. Those who upgrade will also get priority boarding and priority access to overhead lockers.

The Australian carrier said the new class will be on the Airbus A321XLR, A220 and Boeing 737 aircraft which operate domestically and to New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.

Top-tier frequent flyers are going to get first dibs on the seats as Qantas Platinum and Platinum One members receive complimentary access to Economy Plus. The extra cost for other passengers has not been revealed.

Economy Plus will be available from February next year.

There will be 48 Economy Plus seats on the 737, 36 on the A321XLR and 20 on the A220.

Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson called it an “evolution” of Economy class.

“We’re always looking for ways to enhance the onboard experience and maximise comfort for our customers,” said Hudson.

“We believe this new seating product will be popular with our corporate and leisure travellers when it launches next year,” said Hudson.

The new A321XLR and A220 aircraft already have the extra legroom fitted, while the 737s will begin reconfiguration in December.

Earlier this year, Qantas announced Wellington would host the first international service of the “game changer” A220 aircraft.

The first A350-1000ULR (Ultra Long Range) aircraft has completed crucial production phases.

It will be operated by regional subsidiary QantasLink between the capital and Brisbane from February next year.

The aircraft will be phased in to eventually replace the existing Boeing 737-800.

The first of 12 new aircraft is scheduled for delivery in late 2026.

Meanwhile, Qantas also reached a milestone moment in the production of the plane it says will make history.

The first A350-1000ULR (Ultra Long Range) aircraft has completed crucial production phases, which have brought together the fuselage sections and attached the wings, tail section and landing gear.

It now moves to a new hangar to have the engines and flight test instruments installed.

The plane will eventually connect the east coast of Australia to London and New York and will be capable of flying for 22 hours.

The first of 12 new aircraft is scheduled for delivery in late 2026, with the first commercial services in early 2027.