Qantas has announced a major cabin overhaul for its Boeing 737 aircraft – the mainstay of its domestic and short-haul international fleet – aiming to provide a next-generation inflight experience for passengers.
This upgrade aligns with the airline’s broader fleet renewal strategy and ensures that existing aircraft remain competitive with modern features and amenities.
The upgrade program will see 42 Boeing 737 aircraft receive a comprehensive interior refresh, including:
New Business Class seats
New Economy Class seats
Larger overhead lockers with up to 50% more space
Full cabin enhancements, including new carpets, sidewalls, and mood lighting
Fast and free Wi-Fi across all upgraded aircraft
The first refurbished aircraft is expected to enter service in 2027. These planes operate on key domestic routes, as well as trans-Tasman services and flights to destinations such as Bali, Fiji, and Vanuatu.
The new seats on the upgraded 737s are expected to match those featured on Qantas’ forthcoming Airbus A321XLR, set to enter service in June 2025, with the familiar 2-2 recliner layout in business class and 3-3 in economy.
A321XLR Business Class seat
A321XLR Economy Class seat
Seats in both cabins are likely to feature device holders and USB-A and USB-C charging, with wireless charging also in business class.
Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson emphasized that this initiative complements the airline’s historic fleet renewal program, which includes the phased introduction of new aircraft like the A321XLR and A220.
“Investing in our fleet is one of the most significant ways we can transform the flying experience for our customers and ensure we consistently deliver a great journey,” said Ms Hudson.
“With more new aircraft entering our fleet, we’re also making our existing aircraft look and feel brand new,” she added. “This investment in cabins will also support our people who are dedicated to providing the best inflight experience to our customers.”
All 737s are planned to be retired. The refurbished 737s are the youngest in the fleet and will be the last to be retired when the final batch of A321XLRs and A220s are delivered.
In 2024, the rideshare firm DiDi partnered with Virgin Australia’s Velocity Frequent Flyer program to offer riders the chance to earn Velocity Points with every DiDi ride they take.
To benefit from this partnership, users must download the DiDi app, create an account, and link their Velocity Frequent Flyer or Virgin Australia Business Flyer membership number.
Both new and existing DiDi users who link their accounts can receive a one-time bonus of 1,000 Velocity Points.
Following this, you’ll earn one Velocity Point for every dollar spent on DiDi rides within Australia.
This program imposes no cap on the number of points one can earn, thereby enhancing the potential rewards for frequent travellers.
Velocity Points are one of Australia’s most popular rewards currencies, giving travellers access to not just Virgin Australia flights but also those of partners like Singapore Airlines, United Airlines, ANA and Qatar Airways.
If you’re sitting on a stash of Velocity Points, you’re probably wondering what’s the best way to use them.
Our answer is always that you’ll get the best value by redeeming them for flights and upgrades. While these can be tricky to secure, if you figure out how the system works and are flexible with your travel plans, your Velocity Points can take you almost anywhere in the world.
Here are some tips to help you out.
Virgin Australia long-haul flights to Doha
Qatar Airways has taken a 25% stake in Virgin Australia. As part of the deal, Virgin will launch flights from Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth to Doha (Qatar Airways’ home base) later in 2025.
From Doha, travellers will be able to access Qatar Airways’ extensive global network.
These Virgin flights will be operated by Qatar Airways crew and aircraft. That means travellers will enjoy the excellent Qsuites in business class.
Qatar Airways Qsuite – soon to be on Virgin Australia flights to Doha
Virgin Australia has just begun releasing reward seats on this route. We saw a big batch become available on 21 Jan 2025, and now we’re going to monitor availability to see if there’s a pattern with releases. Stay tuned!
Reward seats to Dohanow available
At the time of writing, Velocity Points can’t be used to upgrade on Doha flights.
Virgin Australia domestic business class
With Australia’s second largest domestic network at your disposal and good reward seat availability, travelling around the nation in business class is a fantastic use of points.
Virgin’s all-Boeing 737 domestic fleet features a small business class cabin at the front of the plane, with two rows of recliner seats arranged in a 2-2 layout.
The fleet is currently being refurbished with wider business class seats, which also feature leg rests with extendable footrests, storage compartments, tablet/device holders and water bottle holders.
New Virgin 737 business class seats
When you fly business class with Virgin Australia domestically, you also get lounge access when departing from Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney airports.
(Pro tip: if you want Virgin Australia lounge access every time you fly, it’s now complimentary with the fantastic American Express Velocity Platinum Card.)
You can also use points to upgrade from economy to business class on domestic and short-haul international flights. Availability is limited, of course – and status holders get first dibs. You can see how many points you’ll need on Velocity’s website here.
Business or first class with Singapore Airlines
One of our most popular articles is our guide for using Velocity Points to fly in style with Singapore Airlines.
Singapore Airlines’ business and first class products are among the best in the world. Passengers not only enjoy comfortable and spacious seats, but the airline is also renowned for its excellent dining and customer service.
Try a ‘once in a lifetime’ first class flight
There are two ways to use Velocity Points to fly with SQ: either by booking via Virgin Australia or transferring your points to SQ and booking direct. Read our guide for more info.
Flying with other partner airlines
Aside from Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines, Velocity Points can also be used to fly with a range of other partner airlines.
These include Air Canada, United Airlines and ANA, which can be booked on the Velocity website.
You can also use points to fly with South African Airways and Virgin Atlantic, but these three can only be booked by calling Virgin.
Flying economy also provides solid value
While many people focus on using points for business and first class seats, flying economy is also a great option.
Sometimes, it’s the only option, given how rare premium reward seats are.
Rest assured, you are still getting good value from your points when redeeming them for economy seats. That’s especially the case since airfares remain relatively high following the pandemic.
This is a far better use of points than redeeming them for gift cards.
Tips for success
Book in advance: Award seats often sell out quickly, particularly during peak periods like school holidays. Plan as far ahead as possible to snag the best routes and dates.
Or … book last minute: If you’re in the fortunate position of being able to fly at relatively short notice (within the next 30 days), many airlines release reward seats late in order to help fill their planes. This is a great way to get sought-after business and first class seats.
Familiarise yourself with partner award charts: Each partner airline has its own redemption rates. Check the Velocity website to see how many points you’ll need for your chosen route.
Pool your family’s points: Got multiple family members collecting Velocity Points? Velocity’s Family Pooling feature allows family members to pool their points and status credits into one account, accelerating your ability to redeem for award flights.
Accelerate your points earn on everyday spend: Consider holding a Velocity-branded credit card. For example, you can earn 1.25 Velocity Points per $1 on everyday spend plus get a complimentary domestic flight each year, complimentary lounge membership, and other benefits, with our favourite Velocity card: the Amex Velocity Platinum Card.
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In a move to make Japan’s iconic snowfields more accessible to Australians, Qantas has announced direct seasonal flights between Sydney and Sapporo’s New Chitose Airport.
These new flights, set to launch on 15 December 2025, will mark Qantas’ 100th destination, further expanding the airline’s growing network.
The service will operate three times a week until 28 March 2026, perfectly timed for Hokkaido’s peak ski season.
Using the widebody Airbus A330-200 aircraft, the route will offer over 20,000 seats, providing Australians with the only nonstop connection to Sapporo.
Qantas’ Airbus A330-200 feature 27 business class suites with lie-flat beds and direct aisle access, alongside 228 economy seats in a 2-4-2 layout.
Faster Access to Japan’s Snow Paradise
Sapporo-bound flights will depart Sydney in the morning, arriving early evening, enabling same-day travel to renowned ski destinations such as Niseko, Furano, Rusutsu, and Kiroro.
On return, skiers can enjoy a final morning on the slopes before boarding the evening flight back to Sydney.
Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, is celebrated for its dry powder snow, lively village centres, and relaxing hot springs like Noboribetsu and Jozankei. The timing of the new service will also allow Australians to experience the Sapporo Snow Festival, a globally renowned winter spectacle.
Enhancing Australia-Japan Connections
Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace expressed excitement over the new route, highlighting the convenience it offers travelers.
“We know Sapporo is an extremely popular winter destination for Aussies who love the snow, and we’re excited to make it even easier for them to reach Hokkaido’s world-class ski resorts with a direct flight from Sydney,” said Wallace.
“These new flights will save passengers hours of travel time compared to connecting in Tokyo or other cities and give them more time to enjoy the slopes.”
This service complements Qantas’ existing routes to Japan, including double daily flights from Sydney to Tokyo Haneda and daily flights from Melbourne and Brisbane to Tokyo Narita.
The airline remains the only carrier linking Australia’s three largest cities directly to Tokyo.
Fares for the new route will go on sale later today.
If you don’t have an account already, it’s free to join Singapore Airline’s loyalty program KrisFlyer.
Singapore Airlines has two types of award seats: “Saver”, which are less expensive and are the first to get snapped up, and “Advantage”, which are more expensive but also more readily available.
Singapore Airlines search result
Singapore Airlines releases award seats 354 days out, while Virgin Australia’s calendar only goes out to 331 days out. That means people with Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer miles get a 23 day ‘head start’ to book seats – another factor to consider, especially if you want to travel during a peak period when seats get snapped up quickly.
If the seat you want is available through both airlines, compare the points required and the taxes and fees to work out the best deal.
Step 2: Compare the points, and taxes and fees
Both airlines price award seats based on distance, but they do this in slightly different ways.
You can view Virgin Australia’s points tables here and Singapore Airlines’ award chart here.
Velocity Points convert to KrisFlyer miles at a rate of 1.55:1, meaning 15,500 Velocity points converts to 10,000 KrisFlyer miles.
Because you ‘lose’ so many points by converting them, the actual points cost is likely to be lower by booking with Virgin Australia directly.
Of course, if the seat is only available through KrisFlyer, your only option will be to transfer the points across.
Taxes and fees vary, and are another factor to consider.
Step 3: Book your seat!
If you decide to book through Singapore Airlines, it’s free and easy to convert your points from Velocity to KrisFlyer.
Simply log into your Velocity account, then click My Velocity -> Link & Transfer to link your accounts and transfer the points.
The transfer should happen very quickly (in only a few minutes, in my experience).
As always, plan well ahead, as award seats can be snapped up quickly, especially on the most popular routes during peak travel periods.
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Having access to an airport lounge can make a huge difference when travelling.
Not only does lounge access give you somewhere comfortable to work or relax before your flight, but if for some reason the flight is delayed, it makes waiting for it so much more bearable.
If you’re flying with Virgin Australia domestically, you can enjoy one of its lounges at major airports.
Currently, the airports with Virgin Australia domestic lounges are Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra and Gold Coast airports.
Passengers in business class and those with Velocity Gold or higher status (or the equivalent partner airline status), as well as customers with paid lounge membership, always get access.
Access is also complimentary for holders of the ultra-rewarding American Express Platinum Card, and they can also bring in a guest.
But if none of these options is available to you, you may still be able to get in by stumping up some cash.
That’s because Virgin Australia permits passengers to buy a single-entry lounge pass at reception on the day of travel.
The cost is $65 for adults and $45 for kids aged 2 – 17 years (infants get in for free). This is available from 2 hours before departure
Whether this is a good deal really depends on your personal circumstances.
As well as getting a stylish space to relax before your flight, the lounges offer guests complimentary food – typically a modest selection of hot and cold dishes – as well as bar service from 12pm.
Guests can also enjoy all-day barista coffee, complimentary wifi and shower facilities.
Virgin Australia Lounge, Adelaide
Virgin Australia Lounge, Melbourne
Be aware that Virgin no longer operates international lounges, so these spaces are only open to domestic travellers. However, guests travelling with Virgin Australia internationally from Adelaide and the Gold Coast can use the domestic lounge as the international and domestic departures are located within the one terminal.
For more information about Virgin Australia lounges and buying a pass, visit the airline here.
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Virgin Australia is back with one of its regular points promotions – a great way to boost your balance if you have a trip in mind.
Velocity members can earn triple points on eligible Virgin Australia flights when they activate the offer and book by this Friday 5 December 2024 for travel to 31 March 2025.
Triple points are available for all domestic and international flights marketed and operated by Virgin Australia that normally earn points.
Reward bookings and codeshare services marketed or operated by partner airlines are not eligible.
There’s no limit on the amount of times this offer can be redeemed.
Happy travels!
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Fiji Airways, the national carrier of Fiji, has unveiled an exciting new route connecting its capital Nadi with Cairns.
The service, launching on April 10, 2025, will operate three times a week—on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays—offering Australian travelers a convenient link to the tropical paradise as well onward connections.
Seamless Connections to North America
The new route is strategically aligned with Fiji Airways’ Nadi-Dallas/Fort Worth schedule, which operates on the same days. This allows passengers from Cairns a seamless connection to Dallas and onward destinations across North America.
The airline highlights the advantage of shorter transfer times at Nadi Airport, offering travelers a quicker and less congested alternative for international journeys.
“Our new service to Cairns is a further step in our network expansion, providing more travel options and enhanced connectivity for our customers,” said André Viljoen, Managing Director and CEO of Fiji Airways. “Northern Australia holds a special allure for many of our travelers, and we’re proud to bring them closer to it. This route also offers convenient onward connections from Cairns to Dallas via Nadi, making it easier than ever for travelers to access North America.”
A Premium Travel Experience
The route will be serviced by Fiji Airways’ Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, offering passengers a premium onboard experience.
There are 8 recliner business class seats and 162 economy seats.
Travelers can enjoy complimentary meals, a selection of beverages, hundreds of hours of entertainment, and onboard Wi-Fi, all complemented by the airline’s award-winning Fijian hospitality.
Special Introductory Fares
To celebrate the launch, Fiji Airways is offering special introductory return fares until November 26, 2024, through the airline’s website and participating travel agents.
Reward seats can also be booked via Qantas Frequent Flyer, with both economy and business class seats available.
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