Qantas offering Best Seats for Rugby World Cup 2003 Finals

Qantas is offering customers the chance to win the experience of a lifetime - tickets to the Rugby World Cup 2003 finals, with the action enjoyed from the comfort of the airline's new Skybed sleeper seat.

Qantas Group General Manager Marketing Martin McKinnon said the Best Seats in the House promotion was an important part of the airline's sponsorship of Rugby World Cup 2003.

"Our involvement with British Airways as the Official Airlines of Rugby World Cup 2003 is one of the biggest sponsorships in Qantas' history," he said.

"Not only are we flying teams, officials and international visitors into Australia and carrying Australian fans to matches around the country, but we are also planning a range of fantastic Rugby World Cup experiences for our customers.

"First and foremost among these is this opportunity to not only experience the excitement of a finals match, but to enjoy it in what we believe is the best Business Class seat of any airline."

The promotion is open to customers travelling on any Qantas operated domestic service in Australia or New Zealand, or any international outbound Qantas service from Australia during September.

There are three prizes. The first prize is two tickets to the Rugby World Cup 2003 final. The second and third prizes consist of two tickets to the first and second semi-finals respectively. Winners will watch the match from the Skybed and enjoy the best corporate box hospitality at Sydney's Telstra Stadium. Prizes also include accommodation for all winners, and air travel to Sydney for customers living outside NSW.

Skybed, Qantas' International Business Class sleeper seat is being installed on the airline's fleet of Boeing 747-400 aircraft. Skybed will be available to customers from the end of September.