Qantas is set to refurbish its Boeing 737-800 fleet in order to provide customers with greater comfort and enhanced in-flight entertainment options in what will be a multi-million dollar investment in upgrading 76 of Qantas’ aircraft operating on its domestic network.

Due to commence in mid-2015 and expected to complete within a 12 month period, the upgrade will feature a refreshing new look and feel throughout the cabin, with improved seat comfort nad better access to in-flight entertainment.

“While 29 of our latest 737-800 aircraft already have full seat back video on demand in-flight entertainment for each passenger, the refurbishment will see wireless Q-streaming entertainment installed on the 38 remaining 737-800 aircraft to supplement the screens that fold down from the ceiling,” Qantas Domestic chief executive officer Lyell Strambi said.

“This will allow customers to stream on-demand TVs, movies and music direct to their own laptops, tablets or smartphones.”

Furthermore, subject to approval from Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority, customers will be able to use their portable electronic devices in flight mode throughout the entire flight.

“We know how important entertainment is to people when they fly and this gives every customer the choice to watch what they want to watch and our new arrangement with Sky News and Foxtel means our customers will be able to watch more recent news bulletins straight to their own devices while in the air.”

The refurbishment will also see an additional six seats at the rear of the aircraft, made possible by the changes to the galley and lavatory space, but without affecting the current amount of seating space, representing a three percent increase to the capacity of Qantas’ B737 fleet.

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