Qantas Prepares for AGM 2025 with Economy Plus Launch, Board Appointment, and Market Updates
The national carrier introduces a new Economy Plus product, appoints Alison Watkins as a non-executive director, and shares market updates.
Qantas Launches Economy Plus for Domestic and Short-Haul Flights. Qantas is enhancing the onboard experience with Economy Plus, offering extra legroom, priority boarding, and overhead baggage access. The new seats provide up to forty percent more legroom, allowing passengers to stretch comfortably during their journey.
Availability begins February 2026 on Airbus A321XLR, A220, and Boeing 737 aircraft across domestic, New Zealand, and Pacific Island routes. High-tier frequent flyers receive complimentary access, with over twenty-one thousand seats selected weekly toward the front of the economy cabin.
The rollout coincides with Qantas’ fleet renewal program, which includes forty-eight next-generation A321XLR aircraft entering service over coming years.
Benefits and Seat Access by Frequent Flyer Status
| Aircraft Type | Economy Plus Seats | Platinum One | Platinum | Gold | Silver | Bronze |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boeing 737 | 48 (retrofit) | Free | Free | Free at check-in | Paid | Paid |
| Airbus A321XLR | 36 | Free | Free | Free at check-in | Paid | Paid |
| Airbus A220 | 20 | Free | Free | Free at check-in | Paid | Paid |
Notes:
- 737s are being retrofitted with five additional rows, expanding Economy Plus from 18 to 48 seats.
- A321XLR and A220 aircraft already feature Economy Plus as extra-legroom seats.
- Platinum tiers enjoy early access, rewarding loyalty across domestic and short-haul international flights.
Qantas Appoints Alison Watkins to Board of Directors
The Qantas Group has appointed Alison Watkins as an independent non-executive director, bringing extensive experience across multiple industries. Watkins serves on the Reserve Bank Monetary Policy Board and is a director of CSL, Wesfarmers, and University of Tasmania Chancellor. Her prior executive roles include leading Coca-Cola Amatil operations across Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, and the South Pacific.
Qantas Chairman John Mullen said “Watkins’ appointment strengthens the board at a crucial time for strategic and operational planning.” Shareholders will vote on her position at the 2026 Annual General Meeting, formalising her role after her Reserve Bank term concludes.
Market Update and Strategic Outlook
Economy Plus reinforces Qantas’ commitment to improving onboard comfort while recognising loyal frequent flyers with expanded benefits and priority services. The product competes with Virgin Australia’s Economy X, offering up to forty percent more legroom and priority boarding for all customers.
New aircraft deliveries, including A321XLR and A220 models, arrive with extra-legroom seating pre-installed, while 737 retrofitting begins in December 2025. Platinum-tier frequent flyers gain early access, enhancing perks and rewarding loyalty across the airline’s domestic and regional networks.
Overall, Qantas’ initiatives show focus on customer comfort, board expertise, and fleet modernisation, strengthening its position ahead of 2026 travel seasons.