International business class bookings increased 19% during the first half of 2026 as airlines continued investing in new seats, greater privacy and more varied premium fare options.
The year on year increase, recorded by Corporate Traveller between January and June, suggests companies remain willing to pay for comfort and productivity on longer international journeys despite pressure on travel budgets.
Tom Walley, Corporate Traveller Global Managing Director, said business class was increasingly being treated as a complete travel product rather than simply a larger seat.
“For travellers, flying Business Class is seen as a major productivity hack. The comfort and convenience buy you back the day you’d otherwise lose to jet lag, and many companies have worked out that’s cheaper than it looks on the invoice,” Mr Walley said.
A Corporate Traveller survey of corporate travel managers rated Emirates as the preferred long haul business class carrier from Australia, selected by 72% of respondents. Qatar Airways followed at 67%, with Singapore Airlines at 62%.
Several airlines are refreshing their cabins on routes serving Australia. Emirates is replacing the 2-3-2 configuration on refurbished Boeing 777 aircraft with direct aisle access in a 1-2-1 layout, while further A380 and 777 retrofit work is scheduled to begin this month.
Malaysia Airlines has introduced business class seats with privacy doors on A330neo services to Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide, with Brisbane expected to receive the aircraft later this year. A similar product is planned for its A350 fleet.
Air New Zealand is also progressing with its Boeing 787-9 refurbishment program. The updated aircraft feature Business Premier and Business Premier Luxe, with the latter adding a closing door, a larger bed and companion seating on selected seats.
Other airlines are using fare structures to broaden access to premium cabins. Delta Air Lines introduced a lower priced business fare in July that retains the lie flat Delta One seat but removes benefits including lounge access, advance seat choice and part of the baggage allowance.
Some highly anticipated products remain delayed. Qatar Airways’ Qsuite Next Gen is not expected to enter service until the Boeing 777-9 arrives, while Singapore Airlines has moved the debut of its new premium suites to early 2027.
“Not every airline is moving at the same pace. It’s worth knowing that if you’re planning ahead. Some of the most talked-about seats on the market right now still aren’t in the sky,” Mr Walley said.
For travel advisors and corporate bookers, the changes make aircraft type, fare inclusions and retrofit schedules increasingly important when comparing business class options, as passengers may receive significantly different experiences under the same cabin label.
