“Our new flying kangaroo is sleeker and more contoured than the current version – a modern take on a design that has stood the test of time.”
John Borghetti, Qantas' executive general manager Qantas is to offer a Premium Economy option from February next year on its long-haul routes. Initially available on Boeing 747-400 services, it will be extended to the Airbus A380 super-jumbo once deliveries start in August. The airline is also adopting a new look for its ‘flying kangaroo’ livery. With a 42-inch pitch – claimed to be the largest of any Premium Economy product – the new seats will have a width of 19.5 inches and come equipped with dataports and USB sockets on the A380. There will be a total of 32 seats on each aircraft type, in a 2x4x2 configuration on the main deck of the 747s, and 2x3x2 on the upper deck of the A380. The new cabin will be phased in progressively on 747s on services to London, Hong Kong and Johannesburg, with the addition of further routes following the introduction of A380 aircraft. The new ‘flying kangaroo’ logo and livery is designed to reflect Qantas’ increasing focus on contemporary design for its in-flight and on-the ground products. “The differences are subtle but distinctive, in keeping with the gradual evolution of the logo since it first appeared on one of our aircraft in 1944,” says Qantas' executive general manager, John Borghetti. “Our new flying kangaroo is sleeker and more contoured than the current version – a modern take on a design that has stood the test of time.” It has already started to appear on aircraft and will be introduced progressively. In a further development, the airline is to open new, dedicated domestic Business Class lounges at its key business airports of Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane by the middle of next year. OAG adds booking facility
Users of OAG Flights, the Official Airline Guide's web-based information service that displays every scheduled flight worldwide, including those of the low-cost carriers, now have the ability to search for fares and make bookings online. The subscription-based service shows departure and arrival times, flight durations, airport and terminal details and related information about direct and connecting flights. Subscribers are also able to keep track of a flight's real-time status to check whether it is on-time or delayed. Explains David Rosen, managing director OAG Travel Services: “OAG is the original source of the flight schedules information you see on most travel websites, but without the bias. We are adding fares and a booking facility to our online service as a direct result of customer feedback. Our subscribers love the completeness and simplicity of OAG Flights, and want the ability to book as well.” The new facility is an extension of a partnership with SideStep, the internet travel search company which already powers bookings on OAG’s hosted timetable solutions for airports. Tim Simmonds, SideStep’s director of business development, Europe, says: “OAG Flights customers now have the ability to compare fares from more than 200 leading travel sites via our search engine and then click through to make a booking directly with the relevant online agency, consolidator or airline.” News in brief... Iceland Express is seeking permission to construct a new airport close to the centre of the Icelandic capital, Reykjavik. The plan includes its use for both domestic and international flights on a site located close to the existing city centre airport, which currently allows only local services. Jetstar becomes the latest airline to move into Hong Kong International’s recently opened Terminal 2 when it switches services from the main terminal on August 13. Oasis Hong Kong Airlines and Emirates are already operating from the new facility, which officially opened in June on the 10th anniversary of the handover of the former British colony and the creation of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). Air Berlin is offering discounted flights from within Germany as well as from Vienna and Zurich for visitors to the fourth Business Travel Show, which takes place in Düsseldorf on September 5-6.
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