The historic Qantas Boeing 707-138B lands for the last time at Sydney International Airport. The final touch town for Qantas, a 47-year-old Boeing 707, Australia’s first passenger jet aircraft is to be at the outback Queensland town of Longreach, where national airline Qantas began in 1920. Rescued from a scrap heap in Britain, it underwent a four-year restoration only to be flown back to its final display-resting place. The pilot captain Roger Walter had said that, the plane was a joy to fly, much different from flying a modern jet aircraft with modern instrumentation. This plane has been a passage between Australia and the world. Museum manager Colin Westwood said the passenger jet made aviation history by cutting 21 hours off the flight time from Australia to England. Though you can no longer be a passenger on it but definitely check it out at the Qantas Founders Outback Museum. Source: SMH

Australian international airline, Qantas has launched a new class for economy passengers traveling on long-haul flights. The new premium economy class will be offered on international flights of its Boeing 747-400 and new Airbus A380 aircraft. The seats on this new economy class will offer more width (50 cm), recline (23 cm) and legroom, an in-arm digital wide screen television monitor, and laptop power connection. It’ll give more space and a higher level of service to the passengers. Also, there will be a self-service bar and a choice of meals designed by Neil Perry’s Rockpool Group. Premium economy travel will be available on B747-400 services to London, Hong Kong and Johannesburg from February, 2008. Following the introduction of A380 aircraft in August 2008, further routes will be added. The premium economy cabin will include 32 seats in a two-four-two configuration and will be located on the main deck of B747-400 aircraft. But on the A380, the cabin will be located on the upper deck with 32 seats in a two-three-two configuration. Qantas also revealed a new version of its iconic flying kangaroo logo which was adapted to fit the tail of the new A380 aircraft, and to reflect the airline’s contemporary design. The first aircraft to carry the new logo and livery, a Boeing 767 plane flying domestic routes was rolled out today. Image Source: Stuff

No doubt, several airlines have been offering comfortable in-flight sleeping options for many years. But these days, several airlines are taking steps to provide more comfort to the travelers, one such step is business-class service on the carriers. In fact, the competition for business-class service is heating up. British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Lufthansa, Swiss Airways and Cathay Pacific are such airlines that have introduced business-class lie-flat and flat-bed seats long back. The airlines are providing facilities a private suite, in-flight manicures, complimentary ground transportation to and from airports. United Airlines has recently announced that it’ll make changes in its international business-class airline seats. The revamped seats will recline to a 180-degree, 6-foot, and 4-inch bed. These seats will be available in planes this fall. Qantas recently joined the race and unveiled plans to provide suite-like seating aboard planes in 2008. Delta also plans to lie-flat seats in its BusinessElite cabin. Business-class seats on the United carriers offer video on-demand on a 15.4-inch television, iPod-playing capability through an in-flight entertainment system, a USB port and power outlet, and noise-canceling headphones. So, if you wish to travel in great comfort, make sure to book the right flight. Source: MSNBC

Well-known for in-flight entertainment, Australia’s largest airline Qantas plans to expand its operations in New Zealand and offer new business services, as competition for air travel on domestic routes intensifies. It plans to beef up its domestic service by providing free alcohol and food on domestic flights. There are further plans to re-start a Wellington-to-Christchurch service, add another Boeing 737 to its New Zealand domestic fleet and invest at least $3 million to upgrade its domestic club lounges in Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington. The airline will also enhance its electronic check-in scheme and introduce radio frequency identification (RFID) tags to allow rapid check in of bags. Business and frequent fliers will be the major beneficiaries as the airline upgrades the domestic flight services by introducing improved lounges, electronic check-in and better in-flight services, more legroom, complimentary newspapers and a free bar service. Image Credit Source: Stuff