Qantas’ first upgraded A330 took off for Singapore over the weekend, sporting a new standard of luxury on the route.
Passengers on flight QF35 from Melbourne to Singapore were the first Qantas customers to fly on the reconfigured international aircraft, which underwent a major makeover to include new lie-flat Business Suites.
Designed in collaboration with Marc Newson, the seats have a unique feature that allows customers to recline in their seat from take-off through to landing.
A next-generation model of the award-winning Recaro seat has been introduced in Economy, and customers in all cabins will enjoy the latest inflight entertainment technology.
Qantas Group chief executive Alan Joyce said the airline was excited to welcome the first refurbished A330 to its international fleet, with new cabins set to re-define the inflight experience for the millions of customers who travel between Australia and Asia each year.
“When you combine our investment in lounges with what we’re offering on board our upgraded A330s, it puts Qantas in a very strong position to retain and win customers on key routes to Asia.”
Alan Joyce, Qantas chief executive
Another major change onboard is the new inflight dining, which Qantas spent 12 months researching and developing.
The new menu started rolling out across the network in November last year and features servings that are 50 percent larger than previous Qantas meals.
Some of the new dishes on the menu include smoky barbecue beef with roasted sweet potato, broccoli and corn; honey roasted chicken farro salad and seasonal vegetables with pumpkin and sesame seeds; scrambled eggs with chicken sausage, tomato, hash brown and baked beans; and Ruby & Roy’s traditional Greek yoghurt with granola.
Pulled beef sliders with capsicum and tomato relish, Weis ice-cream bars, Maltesers and fresh fruit are among the self-serve grazing options. Shortly after take-off passengers will be served a welcome drink from Bickford’s signature range, featuring flavours exclusive to Qantas such as Lemon & Elderflower, and Pink Grapefruit.
Then there’s the Qantas Oroton amenity kit, which is being offered to customers travelling in the Business cabins.
The limited edition Business Sleep Collection amenity kit features a signature Oroton styled bag paired with exclusive ASPAR products by Aurora Spa.
The unisex amenity kit has been designed to hold Qantas’ signature Business pyjamas, eye mask, socks, toothbrush, toothpaste and earplugs comfortably inside.
“Oroton’s design of the amenity kits are set to make them a sought out item for our fashion focused travellers both onboard and for future travel.”
Kylie Morris, Qantas International head of customer experience and creative development
More than half of Qantas’ 28 A330 aircraft are expected to be refurbished by the end of December 2015, with the project to be completed by the end of 2016.
Check out all changes made to the aircraft in the video below.