Article from BTNews 14 OCTOBER 2019
Qantas keeping up the momentum
As well as preparing for Project Sunrise (see story this issue), Qantas is keeping busy on several other fronts, including consolidating its relationship with American Airlines and upgrading its Airbus A380 fleet.
The Australian flag carrier and American are rolling out significantly improved frequent flyer benefits, including higher earn rates for points and status credits on each other’s networks.
Qantas customers will also benefit from new codeshares across North America with access to more than 50 new routes and almost 30 new destinations, and American customers will have access to 32 total codeshare routes in Australia.
The changes are being implemented following final approval by the US Department of Transportation (DOT) of a joint business deal between the two airlines.
On the A380 front, all 12 of the Qantas fleet will be refurbished as part of a multimillion-dollar upgrade. Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said: “Australians are used to flying long-haul and it’s important to make the journey comfortable.”
Changes include a transformed upper deck lounge and bringing in the Caon-designed Premium Economy seat, which made its debut on the Qantas Dreamliner fleet. The number of Premium Economy seats has also been increased from 35 to 60.
The Qantas Business Suite (below), dubbed “mini First” by the airline’s frequent flyers, has replaced the Skybed and provides direct aisle access for every passenger.
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