Qatar Airways seriously considers Premium Economy for Australia routes
Qatar Airways' new CEO confirms the airline is actively studying Premium Economy, a major policy shift as it plans a significant expansion of flights to Australia and modernizes its cabin offerings.
Qatar Airways is now seriously considering introducing a Premium Economy cabin. The airline's chief executive, Hamad Ali Al-Khater, confirmed the study during a media briefing in Sydney, marking a potential reversal of its long-standing resistance to the product. The evaluation comes as Qatar Airways plans to operate approximately 70 weekly flights between Australia and Doha by the end of 2026.
Al-Khater stated the airline is examining the introduction with no final decision made. This represents a significant shift. For years, former CEO Akbar Al Baker insisted Qatar's Economy class was 'just as good' as Premium Economy, a claim widely regarded as false. The current study reflects a broader industry trend where traveler preference is shifting toward premium cabins.
Competitors lead Premium Economy adoption
While Qatar has historically resisted Premium Economy, its rivals have been rapidly adopting it. Emirates, which also refused the cabin for years over fears of cannibalizing Business Class revenue, launched a limited Premium Economy deployment in 2022. The product was successful and led to fleet-wide plans. Emirates is now the launch customer for the world's first electronically operated Premium Economy seat with privacy screens.
Other carriers are also deepening their commitment. A wave of airlines is set to introduce or upgrade their premium economy offerings in the coming years, creating competitive pressure.
| Airline | Premium Economy Plan | Target Year |
|---|---|---|
| Thai Airways | Enter the market | 2027 |
| LATAM | Enter the market | 2027 |
| Turkish Airlines | Enter the market | 2028 |
| Hawaiian Airlines | Enter the market | 2028 |
| Qantas | Roll out next-gen recliners on Airbus A350s | 2027 |
| China Airlines | Roll out next-gen recliners on Boeing 787s | 2027 |
| Singapore Airlines | Roll out next-gen recliners on Boeing 777-9 | 2027 |
| Riyadh Air | Offer on Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner fleet | At launch |
Premium Economy is not a new concept. EVA Air pioneered it over three decades ago, introducing the cabin in 1992.
Qatar Airways restructures cabin strategy
The Premium Economy study is part of a wider overhaul of Qatar Airways' cabin strategy. The airline aims to drastically simplify its complex cabin configurations, reducing them from approximately 25 different layouts down to nine by the middle of the next decade. This simplification supports a focus on premium travel.
Qatar Airways is planning to add approximately 138 aircraft over the next five years while retiring about 17 ageing Airbus A330s. A key part of the premium push is the next-generation Qsuite product, which is expected to launch on an Airbus A350-1000 in the middle of next year. The first installation is scheduled for the European summer of 2027.
The airline also hopes to operate its first Airbus A321LR service on 1 January 2027, celebrating its 30th anniversary. This aircraft will feature 16 international-grade flatbed business class suites in a 1-1 configuration with sliding privacy doors and will have Starlink connectivity from the outset. Alongside fleet growth, Qatar Airways plans to increase business-class seating capacity on selected aircraft and is exploring a new first-class offering under serious design.
Network expansion and lounge growth
The airline's Australian network is a focal point for growth. Qatar Airways currently operates approximately 28 weekly services to Australia and plans to increase that to at least 35. Melbourne is heading towards double-daily services, and Sydney is set to welcome a third daily flight. The carrier also expects to return Canberra flights via Melbourne in December.
To support its global premium strategy, Qatar Airways plans to open four new lounges worldwide in 2027. It is also considering adding a grab-and-go style basic lounge at its Doha hub for connecting passengers. The airline's decision on whether to launch Premium Economy will become clearer in 2026 as it integrates new aircraft and cabin products. Hamad Ali Al-Khater said: "it’s something that we’re seriously considering."
