Qantas today unveiled the state-of-the-art interior and seating to be installed onboard its fleet of 20 Airbus A380 aircraft, which are scheduled for delivery from August 2008.

Qantas Executive General Manager John Borghetti said the airline's fleet would be configured with 450 seats - 14 in First, 72 in Business, 32 in its new Premium Economy cabin and 332 in Economy.

"In the Business cabin, we have enhanced our popular, award-winning Skybed sleeper seat, which now offers a longer, fully flat bed with ergonomically enhanced cushioning, a larger in-arm entertainment screen and additional storage options.

"A key feature of the Qantas A380's Business cabin is the private lounge area on the upper deck of the aircraft featuring leather sofas, a self-service bar, large video monitor with laptop connectivity and a feature display cabinet."

Mr Borghetti said for the first time, the Economy cabin would offer four self-service bars, enabling people to help themselves to refreshments throughout the flight in addition to the normal meal services.

He said Qantas had also begun updating the interiors of its international Boeing 747-400 fleet with some of the elements designed for its A380 aircraft, including introducing a Premium Economy cabin from February 2008.

He said the Premium Economy cabin would be available gradually on B747 services to London, Hong Kong and Johannesburg from February 2008 with further routes being added following the introduction of A380 aircraft.

Premium Economy will be located on the main deck of B747 aircraft with 32 seats in a two-four-two configuration. On the A380, the cabin will be located on the upper deck with 32 seats in a two-three-two configuration.