Industry News
March 2010
Qantas scales back First Class
Qantas plans to replace First Class on its B747-400s with Business Class lie flat Skybed sleeper seats. The carrier will also remove First Class cabins from all its new A380s. The reconfiguration of 29 of the carrier's aircraft means First Class will only be available on 12 Airbus A380s on select routes including Australia to London via Singapore, and Los Angeles. The move is part of a $400 million overhaul of the airline's fleet which also includes an upgrade to in-flight entertainment.
New Toga property
Toga Hospitality has opened its newest Travelodge property at Docklands Melbourne. Located in the new Docklands waterfront precinct in the heart of the city, the new 290-room property features conference, business facilities and sits adjacent to Southern Cross train station.
Cabin crew cuts
Plans are afoot to reduce the number of cabin crew on Australian aircraft. The Civil Aviation and Safety Authority (CASA) has announced plans to reduce flight attendant numbers on aircraft which seat between 36 and 216 passengers. The current ratio is one flight attendant to 36 passengers; however CASA has proposed to change this to one flight attendant per 50 passengers.
Qantaslink lounge in Coffs
Passengers at Coffs Harbour Airport will soon be able to use the new Qantas Lounge. Qantaslink is expected to open the premium lounge, which is the carrier's first regional lounge in New South Wales, in April 2010. The lounge will be available to Qantas Club members as well as platinum and gold frequent flyers.
Jetstar increases SE Asia services
Jetstar is introducing more services between Singapore and Vietnam. The carrier will increase its current schedule to Ho Chi Minh including eight return flights per week to a double daily service by July.
Chose your seat
Qantas has launched an advance seat selection service for domestic flights. The service is available for silver, gold and platinum frequent flyers and Chairmans Lounge members and allows passengers to request seats in advance. Qantas introduced advanced seat selection for international flights last June. Seats can be selected from the time of booking up until three hours before departure.
Etihad improves medical systems
Etihad is upgrading its on board medical facilities. The carrier is installing a new health monitoring system on its long-haul aircraft that allows cabin crew to gather health information from passengers. The 'Tempus IC' system monitors blood pressure and takes an electrocardiogram plus photo images. The information is then transmitted to a global team of medical experts that specialise in in-flight medical contingencies.
Washington is all business
British Airways has announced that Washington DC will be the second US city to be serviced by its all-Business Class offshoot OpenSkies. The carrier is introducing five flights per week between Paris Orly and Washington DC as of 3 May. Services on this route will be increased during the year.
Regional flights increase in Queensland
Qantaslink is boosting services in regional Queensland. As of April 6 a new flying schedule will operate including an additional two Q400 Bundaberg–Brisbane return services per week, two extra Q400 Emerald-Brisbane return services per week and five more Q400 Gladstone-Brisbane return services each week.
Conferences with a twist
InterContinental Sydney is offering a new range of services and is encouraging meeting planners to inject a little creativity into their conference programs. The hotel is located across from the Royal Botanic Gardens allowing meeting planners to easily weave the exquisite garden surroundings into their conference programs. Additional events include a twilight cocktail party in the Botanic Gardens or a picnic lunch overlooking Lady Macquarie's Chair.
Bigger aircraft for Asian flights
Qantas will upgrade its A330-200 aircraft on the Sydney-Tokyo route to a two-class 747-400. The move will increase capacity on the route by 1256 seats per week including 156 Business Class seats.
Car hire options expanded
Hertz Australia is expanding its national car rental fleet with the introduction of a 'prestige collection' and a 'fun collection', both of which already operate successfully in the US and Europe. Starting in February at selected locations around Australia Hertz will begin to offer luxury Mercedes Benz and Lexus vehicles through the prestige collection and Mini Cooper S and sporty Mini Cabriolets in the fun collection.
