Qantas will extend its A380 network to Singapore and the United Kingdom later today, with its inaugural A380 service between Sydney and London. Executive General Manager, Mr John Borghetti, said the airline would initially operate three A380 services each week on the Kangaroo Route.
“Since we operated our first A380 service between Melbourne and Los Angeles in October last year, this aircraft has generated extremely positive feedback from our customers,” Mr Borghetti said.
“It has delivered on our vision, realised by Qantas Creative Director Marc Newson, of offering customers a new, stylish long haul travel experience, more space and more comfort.
“It has also met our expectations in terms of aircraft performance.
“Following the delivery of a third aircraft at the end of December, we are now ready to introduce the Qantas A380 to the Singapore and UK markets.”
QF31 will operate from Sydney to London via Singapore on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, with the return QF32 operating on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, also via Singapore.
The Qantas A380 is configured with 450 seats across four classes:
* First class – 14 luxurious and spacious suites
* Business class – 72 new fully-flat Skybed sleeper seats
* Premium Economy class – 32 extra wide seats with greater recline and legroom; and
* Economy class – 332 state-of-the-art seats styled by Marc Newson and manufactured by Recaro.
Mr Borghetti said Qantas would take delivery of a further four A380s in 2009, with the next aircraft due in May. Qantas operates 28 return services per week between Australia and the UK.
