harryhv

OT - Qantas has announced that A330s will operate weekdays between SYD/MEL and PER, equipped with premium-economy seating in what used to be the business-class cabin.

Pictured here. Yes that isn't the economy section, it's the front cabin.

The 36 domestic business seats will be ripped out of Qantas' existing A330's and replaced with the 42 economy-style seats. Initially the very middle seat is to be blocked off leaving 36 sellable seats, so there is no capacity improvement, just a downgrade in hardware.

This configuration is identical to the JetStar A330, suggesting the motive is to be able to more easily substitute between Jetstar and Qantas metal.

Edit - this front cabin will continue to be marketed as business class by Qantas, initally. Just don't expect a business seat.

Status-match for Virgin, anyone?

perthite

Not that this has anything to do with Virgin.....


I assume you are referring to EBM/EBN as having seats ripped out. Can you provide a reference to where Qantas have said they are going to do this?

The newly delivered EBV matches the existing configuration of EBO/EBP, so it's not them you are talking about.

harryhv

Let's wait for the other shoe to drop.

Suppose we don't hear a barrage of publicity from Virgin about the demise of QF's biz class seating to PER...

...That would indicate, IMO, that a truce has been reached and DJ will shortly downgrade their biz cabin to PE for PER flights, freeing the fancy biz class planes to operate international routes.

perthite

But which seats are being ripped out? This is a new plane with a config matching two other A330s in the Qantas domestic fleet.

It's not a new configuration.

VH-RMD

I wonder why you would think that?

As far as I can see, JB has been doing everything he can to enhance the DJ product while quietly grinding his heel into QF...

There has been a significant build of transcontinental expectation of DJ service, I doubt he would want to jeopardise that yet, maybe in a couple more years when the yields are closer to equal.

thadocta

Ok, getting around the hyperbole, QF has NOT announced that they are ditching Business Class, just that the new aircraft has a product which does not meet YOUR definition of business class.

Whilst I agree that this new product is a huge way below what was previously offered it is still better than what you will get on what is laughingly called "First Class" on airlines of the other 50 states. Not sure what DJ offers on this route, not having flown it, but QF J is still superior to DJ flights on short sectors (flew DJ in J SYD-MEL last week, I want a refund!)

Dave

serfty

Coast to Coast DJ A330 flights have PDB (Juice, Water, Champagne¹), multi course meal (with selections of 2 starters, 4 mains, dessert choice, cheese & port/liqueurs²), true N/C headphones, personal IFE, mix of sloped/horizontal³ flat seats.


¹ Not domestic Sparkling
² "Supper" on red eyes.
³ Depending on the aircraft - currently 3 horizontal and 2 sloped configurations.

Dave Noble

I wouldn't agree with an assertion that VA is superior to QF in business class. I would class DJ as good as QF and typically better due to likelihood of having an empty seat adjacent with, ime, the price for VA business class being lower

ozstamps

I am confused by all the ping pong above - QF has - or has not - announced plans for no biz class SYD-PER?
.

m0hamed

No. The thread title is misleading and should be changed.

serfty

Basically with current schedules (and aside from a few positioning 333 flights) the best you can hope for in Business class on QF between the east and west coast are the same seats Qantas sell as Premium Economy internationally.

moa999

Title should be changed.
Thread should be locked.

Does not belong in DJ forum.Already being discussed in QF one.

out.

shillard

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