Qantas returns to Shanghai

Qantas today commenced non-stop services between Australia and Shanghai.

Qantas Executive General Manager John Borghetti said the airline would operate three return flights a week on the route, catering for the growing travel market between Australia and China.

"Returning to China, and to Shanghai in particular, is an exciting move for Qantas," Mr Borghetti said, "The growing trade relationship between Australia and China has boosted demand for business travel and we are also seeing a significant increase in leisure travel in both directions."

Mr Borghetti said Qantas' new two class Airbus A330-300 aircraft would operate on the route. These aircraft are fitted with:

* Qantas' award-winning Skybed sleeper seat; 
* self-service bar and mood lighting in Business Class; and
* inflight entertainment that includes individual video screens for every customer.

"Our Shanghai customers will experience our excellent International Business Class product and be able to enjoy traditional northern Chinese cuisine and refreshments during the flight," Mr Borghetti said.

The new services are timed to suit customers connecting in Melbourne or Sydney from other states or New Zealand.

Inflight entertainment features up to 10 movies offering either Chinese subtitles or a Mandarin soundtrack and a selection of 12 Chinese music programs, six in Mandarin.

Mr Borghetti said Qantas would continue to codeshare on China Eastern services to Shanghai four times a week.

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