QANTAS LAUNCHES B747 SERVICES BETWEEN SYDNEY AND PERTH AND INCREASES A330 WIDE-BODIED SERVICES ON EAST WEST ROUTE

SYDNEY, 30 May 2011: Qantas will today set the standard for business and leisure travellers flying across the Nullarbor, with the introduction of an internationally configured B747 operating on flights between Sydney and Perth and also increasing the number of internationally configured A330 aircraft on the route.

In July, the Brisbane to Perth market will also benefit from the upgrade of a daily service from a B767 to an A330 aircraft.

Four new services were also added from mid April on the Melbourne to Perth market at key business timings, with three of these services being operated by international A330 aircraft.

These moves are in response to the growing demand from both business and leisure travellers flying on Australia’s longest direct domestic sectors, and customer feedback indicating their preference for wide- bodied aircraft.

Over 90 per cent of Qantas services between the Australian east coast and Perth will now be operated with wide-bodied aircraft and Qantas continues to provide the highest schedule frequencies between every east coast to Perth market.

With these latest upgrades, more passengers will now able to enjoy the benefits of an international product including the Qantas Skybed in Business, and personal on-demand entertainment options in every seat across both Business and Economy, offering a vast range of entertainment options on selected flights.

Qantas Chief Executive, Mr Alan Joyce will be on hand to farewell the first B747 flight from Sydney and said the changes are about delivering business and leisure travellers what they want.

“Qantas is committed to ensuring it is the best for business and we are very pleased to be delivering on our customers desires for an even more comfortable journey between the east and west coasts.”

“Qantas will be the only airline to provide a lie-flat sleeping option by deploying the Skybed product on selected east-west services, which is especially important for business travellers who need to hit the ground running when they arrive at their destination.”

Mr Joyce added, “With in-flight service offering Neil Perry influenced menus, our expansive network of lounges, the launch of the enhanced ground and inflight domestic experience in late 2010, faster, smarter check-in, the comprehensive and expanding Frequent Flyer program, and vast domestic and international connecting network, we are focussed on ensuring Qantas remains firmly at the forefront in terms of product and service.”

Among the benefits for Qantas travellers on the east-west routes will be:
• Skybed for Business class customers on B747 and internationally configured A330 services
• Personal on demand entertainment options for passengers in both Business and Economy on B747
and A330 services
• No middle seats in the Business cabin on A330s
• Over 90 per cent of services operated by wide-bodied aircraft
• More flights, more often. Qantas can get you where you want to go, when you want to go
• Enjoy complimentary inflight dining with Neil Perry influenced menus, inflight entertainment and
included baggage allowance on every Qantas flight
• Breeze through the airport with the new faster, smarter check-in
• Choose the seat that suits with complimentary seat selection

Sydney – Perth: B747-400 aircraft will operate six round trips per week from today and internationally configured A330 services will also be boosted from three round trips per week to five.

Brisbane – Perth: Domestic A330 services will be introduced in July on seven round trips per week. This is in conjunction with the recent upgrade of six B737 services to B767.

Melbourne – Perth: In April, Qantas added a new service at key business timings four days per week with three of these services being operated by internationally configured A330 aircraft.

Mr Joyce said Qantas is also a cut above the competition when it comes to offering value for money for leisure travellers with the price of their all-inclusive ticket which includes baggage, seat selection, Neil Perry influenced menu across both Business and Economy cabins, and inflight entertainment during their flight.

As part of the farewell celebrations, a flash mob will entertain unsuspecting passengers at the boarding gate with an enthusiastic dance to the Village People’s classic song ‘Go West’. A ceremonial cake cutting will also be held and shared with passengers as they board the new B747 service.