Refurbished cabins await onboard the airline’s A380s, while its premium lounges in Australia are reopening.
The entrance to first class on the upper deck of a Qantas A380 (All photos courtesy of Qantas)
Qantas Frequent Flyers seeking out a first-class experience aboard the airline’s A380s will not have to wait much longer to relax in their private “suites.” The Australian flag carrier plans to reinstate its full first-class offering at the end of this month as international travel steadily recovers and more of its superjumbos are brought back into service. A fourth A380 from the Qantas fleet has recently left its storage facility in the California desert for the first time since it was parked there in March 2020.
Qantas has utilized the pandemic-induced downtime to upgrade its double-decker aircraft. The new-look A380s now sport a reconfigured business class cabin, with 70 updated business suites, and an extended premium economy section with 60 seats, up from 35, as well as refreshed economy and first-class cabins. The upper deck lounge has also had a full upgrade with booth-style seating for 10 people and a self-service bar, while passengers will have the option to order signature drinks and snacks.
Qantas Chief Customer Officer Stephanie Tully said in a statement, “We know that our customers have missed the Qantas A380 travel experience as much as our team has missed being able to provide it for them so it’s fantastic that we’re back in the air with our premium full service on these newly refurbished aircraft.”
The dedicated stairway for first-class passengers on a Qantas A380.
First-class amenities include pajamas by acclaimed Australian designer Martin Grant.
Travelers who choose first class aboard a Qantas A380 will get to sleep in a lie-flat bed.
On the ground, Qantas will reopen its Sydney and Melbourne International Business Lounges from March 27, and revert its First Lounges in Australia, which operated as hybrid First/Business Lounges during the pandemic, to the full premium offering. Eligible First Lounge customers will again enjoy a curated à la carte dining menu courtesy of celebrity chef Neil Perry, champagnes and fine Australian wines, plus a seasonal cocktail selection. The in-lounge Spa will also resume offering bespoke treatments such as hot-stone massages and mini facials using LaGaia products.
Qantas plans to reactivate its First Check-in suite at Sydney International for first-class customers and top tier Frequent Flyers to enjoy a personalized and streamlined check-in experience. The Qantas A380 currently operates flights from Sydney to Los Angeles, and from June it will also be deployed on the Kangaroo Route between Sydney and London via Singapore.
A refreshed first-class “suite.”
Newly added booth seating in the revamped upper deck lounge of a Qantas A380.
