OREANDA-NEWS. Qantas this week adds its 68th next generation Boeing 737-800 to the airline's 314 strong fleet.

Qantas' commitment to fleet renewal has seen the airline take delivery of 123 new aircraft in just over four years, resulting in an average passenger aircraft age of 7.9 years - its lowest level since privatisation.

Qantas Domestic Chief Executive Officer Lyell Strambi said the airline's fleet renewal plan is a strategic priority in the domestic market and fundamental to customer satisfaction.

“Qantas is excited to welcome yet another next-generation Boeing aircraft into the fleet,” Mr Strambi said.

“We know that a modern aircraft like the Boeing 737, with the latest in technology and design, is a major draw card for our customers. In fact, this year customer satisfaction with our aircraft has reached a record high.

“We also know that by simplifying our fleet and making better use of the increased flexibility and higher frequencies that an aircraft like the Boeing 737 provides, we can remain the airline of choice for domestic travellers.”

Features of the latest 737-800 aircraft include:

A 12 seat business class and 156 seat economy class configuration

Seating design styled by Marc Newson

On-demand Panasonic inflight entertainment in both cabins with over 300 entertainment options which can be used 'gate to gate'

Wide seat-back design with 37 inch seat pitch and 22 inch width between arms in Business, a 17 inch width and 30 inch seat pitch in Economy, ergonomic cushions and adjustable headrest

10.6 inch in-arm touch screen in business, nine inch seatback touch screen in economy

PC and USB ports to charge laptops.

Qantas will take delivery of seven additional Boeing 737-800 aircraft for Qantas Domestic between now and the end of 2014.

The delivery of the B737 aircraft will coincide with Qantas' plans to reconfigure the interior of 10 Airbus A330-300s and 20 A330-200s with a new flat seat in business class, refreshed economy cabin and a new inflight entertainment offering. The new interiors will feature on Qantas' Airbus A330fleet from late 2014.

The A330-300s will be operated by Qantas International primarily on its network between Australia and Asia, while the A330-200s will be operated by Qantas Domestic on routes between the east coast and Perth - enabling the retirement of the Group's Boeing 767s fleet.