Qantas is reportedly considering removing first class from its fleet of Boeing 747-400s, leaving the product only on the airline’s A380s which fly to London and Los Angeles.
According to a report in the Australian Financial Review, citing a leaked seating plan, the carrier would strip first on its 747-400s, leaving only 12 first seats on the A380s. In return, additional business and premium economy seats would be installed on the aircraft. The proposed changes are expected to cost approximately $450 million, and would be announced in coming months.
Qantas announced in 2009 that it would reconfigure its long haul fleet in light of the economic downturn slashing demand for premium seats. The airline also temporarily suspended the sale of first class on some routes during last year in response to lower demand for the high-end product.
