QANTAS upgrades passenger experience with A330 business suites

Qantas previewed the new interiors that will feature on its Airbus A330 fleet from late 2014.

Qantas previewed the new interiors that will feature on its Airbus A330 fleet from late 2014, including Marc Newson-designed Business Suites for international and domestic customers.

All 30 of Qantas’ A330s will be upgraded with Business Suites in a 1-2-1 layout with fully flat beds and direct aisle access from every seat. Ten A330-300s for Qantas International will feature new Economy seats and 20 A330-200s for Qantas Domestic will see their Economy seats refurbished.

Uniquely, the new Business Class seats can be left in a recline position for take-off and landing, maximising the opportunity for rest – a key point of difference between Qantas and other carriers flying to Asia.

Preview of Qantas A330 Business Suite
Preview of Qantas A330 Business Suite

In addition to Panasonic inflight entertainment systems, all A330s will be fitted with Qantas’ Q-Streaming technology, which gives customers access to an extensive entertainment library streamed to devices like iPads.   

Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said the upgrade would set the airline’s product apart from competitors where its A330s do the bulk of their flying – on key Asian routes and on the domestic east-west market.

“Customers in all parts of the aircraft will notice a significant improvement in comfort when our refreshed A330s start to roll out from the end of 2014,” said Mr Joyce.

“Qantas invented business class and these new Business Suites reflect what we know our customers want, whether they are flying for work or leisure. We’ve created a product that has enough space to dine while working, or if you want to rest, to leave the seat in a recline position from take-off to landing.”

Qantas Creative Designer, Marc Newson, said the new A330 Business Suites were centred on two key principles – maximising comfort and practicality.

“With this business suite we have focused on delivering an intuitive design that meets the needs of our customers travelling in Asia, and creating a cabin experience that provides privacy and a considered space to work, rest or sleep,” said Mr Newson.

Click here to view a Qantas A330 product fact sheet.

N.B. Image: Qantas.com.au