Qantas has outlined plans to restore a full first class offering both on the ground and in the air from the end of this month.
The move follows the “reawakening” of the carrier’s fourth A380 superjumbo, all of which feature Qantas’ first class suites.
The airline’s first class lounges in Australia had been operating as hybrid business / first class facilities during the Covid-19 pandemic, but will be reinstated as dedicated first class lounges from March 27, as Qantas reopens its International Business Class Lounges at Sydney and Melbourne airports.
First class lounge customers will once again be able to enjoy a Neil Perry-curated dining menu, and spa facilities will reopen for pre-travel treatments including hot stone massages and mini facials.
In addition the carrier will reopen its First Class Check-in suite at Sydney airport at the end of the month, available to first class customers and top tier Frequent Flyer loyalty members.
Qantas has used the downtime while its A380 aircraft were parked in the desert to work on the previously announced upgrade of its superjumbos, adding more premium economy seating, reconfiguring the business class cabin and refreshing the economy and first class cabins, as well as upgrading the upper deck lounge with booth style seating for ten guests.
The carrier’s A380 is currently operating on flights between Sydney and Los Angeles, with services to London via Singapore set to follow from June.
Commenting on the news Qantas chief customer officer Stephanie Tully, said:
“We know that our customers have missed the Qantas A380 travel experience as much as our team has missed being able to provide it for them so it’s fantastic that we’re back in the air with our premium full service on these newly refurbished aircraft.”