QANTAS have launched their newly refurbished A380 fleet which features a new luxury ‘speakeasy’ bar as well as a bigger lounge and more premium economy seating.
However, the new space has been at the expense of economy travellers, with 30 less seats for budget passengers.
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First class and business class passengers can make the most of what was once a private area for cabin crew on the second level behind the cockpit.
The new and improved first class and business lounge area takes passengers from the sky to what feels like a seat inside a New York bar.
Dark and moody, the multi-million-dollar refurbishment has transformed the space with group-seating booths for around 10 passengers, sleek wooden finishes and co-working spaces.
Along with booth seating and a large flat screen TV, comes the all important self-serve mini bar.
For guests who have access to the on-board lounge, snacks and a Rockpool menu by Qantas Chef Neil Perry will be on offer.
Passengers will be able to chose from dishes including dry laksa goreng with fishcakes and seared prawns to mushroom arancini in a tomato ragu as part of custom-designed menus for each route.
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Speaking to news.com.au, Qantas head designer David Caon said the changes aligned with a trend toward experiential travel where passengers were wanting to spend more time out of their seat, either to do some work or simply have a drink with friends or colleagues.
He explained: “The biggest part of this project was the lounge at the front of the aircraft, and creating a space that will work.
“We wanted to create an area where, if you were travelling with a friend or if you had a friend sitting somewhere else, you could potentially go to the lounge and spend some time together and socialise or meet someone travelling in first and have that point of common ground to interact.”
David said as part of the design process, he re-purposed the A380’s original lounge design which saw passengers seated at low benches facing the same direction eliminating any social interaction between flyers.
Now, along with a small seating nook where the cabin crew locker room and office use to be, he said the self-serve minibar for drinks and snacks is a leap from the plane’s original design into a space that creates the ultimate space for both business and leisure passengers.
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Bars in the sky have become noticeably absent from certain carriers, especially in the US, who have instead chosen to bulk up the plane with seats rather than adding a mile-high bar serving cocktails.
However, the heyday of travel is making a comeback, starting with the re-introduction of in-flight bars.
Last month, Virgin Atlantic overhauled their on-board bar into a more lounge-like space for socialising and working on their A350-1000 plane.
It’s a concept that’s also been adapted by Qatar Airways’ with their QSuite offering as well as the iconic Emirates onboard lounge.
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The bar and lounge aren’t the only changes to the refurbished Qantas fleet.
Those who fly business class can expect the most drastic changes on board, with the removal of the skybeds.
Instead, the carrier has now introduced the new and improved Qantas business suite as a replacement, which features a 1:2:1 configuration giving aisle access to every passenger.
For those travelling in first class, the luxurious space just upped the ante with suites now featuring contoured cushioning, elegant seat finishes and a larger, higher resolution entertainment screen.
They can also enjoy spa treatments such as facials and hot stone massages, according to the Daily Mail.
Those travelling in economy can also expect some changes with a new colour palette and improved in-flight entertainment and pillows.
There are 30 fewer economy seats and an increase in premium seating from 35 to 60 seats.
The launch of the newly refurbished A380 had its first flight on Tuesday, with two more aircraft set to be finished by the end of 2019.
The remaining nine planes will be completed by the end of 2020 — just in time for Qantas’ 100th birthday celebrations.
Plane cabins of the future could soon feature private dining booths and even sports bars.
Other ideas include a fitness studio, shop or meeting space.
A version of this article was originally published by news.com.au and has been reproduced with permission.
