QF A380 flights on sale now...

[Malcolm Parker]

Qantas finally relased some rough details on first scheduled flight to LAX from MEL from 20OCT. Once weekly initially from MEL and SYD.

The Qantas A380 - Now on sale Latest News
Perth, 16 June 2008


Seats on Qantas' new flagship, the Airbus A380, went on sale today, ahead of the airline's first A380 flight - from Melbourne to Los Angeles - on 20 October 2008.

Qantas Group General Manager Sales and Distribution, Mr Rob Gurney, said the A380 would operate on selected flights from Melbourne and Sydney to the USA, and would be introduced progressively on selected flights from Sydney to Singapore and London from early 2009.

He said the first Qantas A380 would operate two return services each week between Australia and Los Angeles - one from Melbourne and one from Sydney, from 24 October.

With the introduction of a second A380 aircraft in November, the airline would operate:

*two return Melbourne-Los Angeles A380 services each week - QF93 on Mondays and Wednesdays, with the return QF94 operating the same nights; and
*three return Sydney-Los Angeles services - QF11 on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, with the return QF12 also operating the same nights.

"All four classes of the A380 will offer passengers greater levels of space and comfort, as well as state-of-the-art interiors designed by Qantas Creative Director Marc Newson," Mr Gurney said.

The Qantas A380 will be configured with 450 seats - 14 individual First Suites, 72 in Business, 32 in Premium Economy cabin and 332 in Economy.

Qantas A380 features will include:
*completely redesigned First cabin, offering customers privacy and luxury in their own First Suite;
*fully-flat next generation Skybed and separate, dedicated lounge area in Business;
*the airline's Premium Economy cabin, with extra wide Recaro seats;
*new ergonomically designed Recaro seats and self-service refreshment bars in Economy; and
*on demand entertainment system with over 1000 entertainment options and onboard connectivity.

"The A380 will also offer significant improvements in terms of environmental performance, including reduced fuel consumption and emissions, greater efficiency and less noise," Mr Gurney said.

Mr Gurney said that while the A380 would provide customers with an all-new inflight experience, lead in fares would initially be the same as those currently offered on comparable Qantas B747 services, however the airline's state-of-the-art new First Suite would be priced at a premium.

Issued by Qantas Corporate Communication (3773)
Email: qantasmedia@qantas.com.au

[Montague S]

Qantas A380 Implementation Schedule

The new Qantas A380 will be progressively introduced on selected flights from Sydney and Melbourne to Los Angeles from late October 2008. The Qantas A380 will also be progressively introduced on selected flights from Sydney to Singapore and London from mid January 2009.

All flights are subject to last minute change of aircraft.

Between Flight Number Status Comments

Melbourne Los Angeles QF93, 94 On selected flights from 20 October 2008 - Service departs Monday from 20 October
- Service departs Monday and Friday from 12 November

Sydney Los Angeles QF11, 12 On selected flights from 24 October 2008 - Service departs Friday from 24 October
- Service departs Wednesday, Friday and Sunday from 12 November

Sydney Singapore QF31, 32 On selected flights from 16 January 2009 - Service departs Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from 16 January

Sydney London QF31, 32 On selected flights from 16 January 2009
- Service departs Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from 16 January

Singapore London QF31, 32 On selected flights from 16 January 2009 - Service departs Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from 16 January

http://www.qantas.com.au/info/flying/A380/schedule

[Michael Morrison]

How bizaree that they are doing a few services per week rather than daily......

[Rhys Xanthis]

Originally Posted by Michael Morrison

How bizaree that they are doing a few services per week rather than daily......

due to the delivery schedule im sure.

[Michael Morrison]

Originally Posted by Rhys Xanthis

due to the delivery schedule im sure.

But why not make LAX daily before going to LHR??? that is what I was questioning....

[Rhys Xanthis]

Originally Posted by Michael Morrison

But why not make LAX daily before going to LHR??? that is what I was questioning....

well they have to get there within a decent time period.

they have protection on the pacific route, but there is plenty of competition of LHR.

Heading to LAX first from SYD with a380 would have something to do with VAustralia in my opinion. Get a product out there which people will want to try. The A380 already exists with SQ on the LHR route, so i guess its less of a priority to get started on...