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Qantas withdraws first class from London-HK route

Published: 21/05/2009 - Filed under: News »

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During the summer months Qantas has decided to withdraw first class from three long-haul routes owing to the downturn in traffic.

According to the industry publication Air Transport World, Qantas will not offer a first class cabin between July 6 and October 31 on flights between Sydney, San Francisco and Buenos Aires in addition to its Melbourne-Hong Kong-London service.

First class availability on these three Qantas routes has now been withdrawn from airline booking systems between the above dates.

The decision to withdraw first class between London and Melbourne on flights QF29 and QF30  will impact on those travellers using Qantas as an alternative to British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Virgin Atlantic and Air New Zealand between London and Hong Kong.

Qantas expects to operate its B747-400s on the London-Hong Kong-Melbourne route with the existing business, premium economy and economy seating.  It's not clear whether first class will remain empty or whether Qantas will accommodate some of its favoured business class passengers in the premium cabin with the more spacious seating (but with business class catering and so on) at no extra cost.

For more information visit qantas.com.au.

Report by Alex McWhirter

COMMENTS » 

Ricjackal - 21/05/2009 11:17

Having just flown this route(Lon-Mel-Lon) and 7 times flights in the last 2 months and 26 times in the last year (All in 1st) I find myself baffled as to why they would blame the downturn in traffic as a reason to drop 1st as the cabin was full in both direction s ?? Is it a prelude to all 1st class being dropped carrier wide ?? and making Business class the new First... or is there a financal strain on the company ?? Maybe il have try and find another carrier and move our company accounts Elsewhere !!!! Ric Gee President Global Oil &Shipping.

antipodes - 23/05/2009 16:54

Qantas never give occupancy rates for First Class and when ever I have travelled First the cabin has always been fully occupied. However there to be troubling times ahead for First because BA have announced that all their new aircraft will not have First Class Cabins. This is surprising given Business Traveller's article about BA's plans to revamp their First Class Cabins

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