Qantas adding Skybed on Brisbane - USA flights

Customers will be able to experience Qantas' award winning Business Class seat, Skybed, on selected flights between Brisbane, New Zealand and the USA from next month.

Qantas Head of Sales, Rob Gurney, said Skybed would be progressively introduced from 1 April 2005 and equipped on all 747-400 aircraft flying between Brisbane and Los Angeles via Auckland by the end of November 2005.

Skybed was designed by world-famous Australian industrial designer Marc Newson and developed by USA based manufacturer BE Aerospace in association with Qantas engineering.

Skybed is 6 feet, 6.5 inches (199.4 cm) long and 23.5 inch (60 cm) wide when fully reclined to 8 degrees. Its features include:

· a fixed cocoon-style seat surround to provide maximum privacy;
· a privacy screen between seats;
· extensive seat adjustment controls to ensure maximum comfort in any position, with additional seat controls inside the cocoon surround;
· cushioned lumbar support;
· a back massage feature;
· a large 10.4 inch (26.4 cm) screen with multi-channel entertainment;
· a PC power outlet that allows laptops to be plugged straight in without the need for adaptor cables;
· a Short Message Service (SMS) accessed via the in-seat telephone handset, with a inflight reply facility that is a world first;
· clever storage options including a shoe cupboard and glove box for spectacles and travel documents; and
· a water bottle holder.

Mr Gurney said the new $385 million Business Class cabin featured a range of modern comforts including a self service snack and beverage bar as well as a new mood lighting system designed exclusively for Qantas and the first of its kind in the skies.

"Customers will also notice premium quality noise cancelling headsets, luxurious amenity kits and a new style of food and wine service including improved catering options such as healthy and express meals. The new cabin reflects a new era in business travel," Mr Gurney said.

Skybed is now installed on all three class Boeing 747-400 and A330-300 aircraft and will be progressively introduced on two class Boeing 747-400 aircraft on other select routes from May 2005 until December 2005.

The new International Business Class cabin is equipped on all flights to London, Hong Kong and Shanghai as well as Sydney services to Los Angeles and New York and on the daily Melbourne service to Los Angeles.

See other recent news regarding: Qantas