Qantas has announced plans to update the cabins of some of its Airbus A330s. The changes are more evolutionary than revolutionary, and largely center around economy, but it’s still good to see this investment.
Continue reading: Qantas Retrofitting Airbus A330s With New Interiors
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
These interiors look great, with moisture wicking fabric covers instead of those uncomfortable sticky plastic "pleater" ones US airlines downgraded to.
Despite their age if I have to fly longhaul in economy I will generally seek out an A330 over a 787, A350 etc. Why? Because they are one of the last aircraft types to have a 2x4x2 configuration. I usually travel with my partner when I do, so it is nice to just have a block of two seats together.
Disappointed that Qantas is not putting premia economy seats in their A330. PE offers a good option in many of the Asian routes such as HK, Japan and Indonesia but is not offered by Qantas which is largely using 20 years old A330 in those routes.
A good move on Qantas- when I flew them last month in J on one of these birds from SIN to MEL the seat would wobble back and forth like a rocking chair. Lack of wi-fi was also a bit disappointing. A great bed and pajamas, though, so they emphasize sleeping.
Good to see another carrier not forgetting about their A330s as there are plenty out there that can certainly use a refresh.
It is disappointing though that business will be left as is. They could've at least refreshed the cushions, covers and trim to match Project Sunrise if they won't upgrade its tech. I believe it would be a minimal expense that more carriers should do.
In regards to premium economy not being added, my guess is that it's just doesn't sell on routes where they use their A332s the same way CX uses their A333s. For routes that justify premium economy, they have the 787s for that.
If these Y seats (Recaro CL3710) are exactly the same seats that will be in A35K Sunrise, it means that one who wants to take Sunrise flight in Y should have titanium back. All the Recaro Y seats are awful and have nothing to do with comfort.
Lipstick on a pig. Their competitors are flying to Australia with 787s and A350s, while Qantas is still rattling around in geriatric A330s that pre-date the iPhone. The legacy of Alan Joyce, and Geoff Dixon before him, is one of ruthless cost-cutting and poor fleet planning that has greatly damaged the customer experience and the airline's reputation. It'll take a lot more than Project Sunrise and new economy seats in their flying jalopies to make amends.
wow, i guess with delays in getting more 787s they have decided to refurbish the tired 330s. Oh well they have 321 that will replace a lot of the 330s.
On top of their ancient fleet you can’t get a seat in buinwss or first on points
I dumped their program
Not what they used to be sadly
I wouldn't be so sure. I am based in Sydney and travel across Asia for work, which allows us to book Premium Economy but not Business. I routinely have to book away from Qantas if I want PY, even when QF has the nonstops: Hong Kong, Tokyo, Seoul, Manila, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Bangalore. A few of those markets may not support PY, but QF is definitely leaving money on the table not offering PY to really anywhere in Asia except Singapore.
Oh yes, because when the pax are asleep they aren’t bothering the crew. Husband did PER-CDG in biz a couple of weeks ago, and there were two meal services and one “extra” drinks-round in seventeen hours. When he woke feeling parched he rang the call bell, which went unanswered for ten minutes before he visited the galley to find the flight attendants having a gossip behind the curtain. That is not premium service. The crew couldn’t have been more detached and obviously disinterested.
Wait so will Qantas not have universal AC outlet plugs in their new economy class seats? Do they have them currently? It would really suck if they didn’t. I feel like every long haul airline has universal plugs in economy these days.