The Economy Plus offering, similar to Virgin Australia’s Economy X, will offer passengers up to 40 per cent extra legroom, priority boarding, and priority access to overhead bins. The new seats are expected to roll out from February on Qantas’ 737-800, A321XLR, and A220 aircraft.

The contract is a key component of Boeing's participation in the Australian government’s Global Supply Chain Program, which aims to enhance collaboration with local suppliers and strengthen the Australian defence industry.

The airline’s first BETA ALIA CX300, N401NZ, which arrived in the country last month, has begun an “intensive proving program” from its base at Hamilton Airport before being sent south to Wellington to fly Cook Strait crossings to Blenheim by the end of January.

Commencing in March 2026, flights from the Sunshine Coast to Denpasar will operate three times per week on Jetstar’s A321neo LR fleet, adding more than 70,000 seats per year, and will connect onwards to Singapore.