Last week, I went on an Australian-themed training morning arranged by Anzcro, our preferred Australia and New Zealand specialist partner. In our business, that isn’t unusual as we do lots of training sessions, although this one was a bit different, it was at the UK headquarters of Qantas.
Based around Qantas’s direct service from London to Perth which started in 2018 as one of the world’s longest flights, we also had the opportunity to learn about Western Australia through its biggest city of Perth.
With the direct flight into Perth, it’s now an excellent stopover destination before heading eastwards to other parts of Australia. Perth itself has undergone a lot of regeneration, but so have the nearby districts including Freemantle (a popular port for cruising), but also going on to Margaret River in the south and its iconic Jetty and some of the best beaches in the country.
You can also head north to the Coral Coast and the amazing Ningaloo Reef, as well as the strange formations of the Bungle Bungles.
Bungle Bungles
The Qantas service takes 16 hours and 45 minutes, although, with a good tailwind, it can be achieved in far less. The modern 787 has three classes – Business, Premium Economy and Economy, with all classes having the most modern amenities available on such a long flight. Being the 787 ‘Dreamliner’, the lower atmospheric pressure reduces jet lag and allows you to feel fresher when you get off in Australia. Qantas also offer a single-stop service to Sydney through Singapore, where you can also connect on to other services either in Asia or Australia.
Qantas, Economy
The Economy cabin has everything you would expect and more for a long-haul flight.
Qantas have a few nice additions to what you would normally find, including a special iPad shelf and charging, and a foot ‘net’ allowing a more relaxing journey. This is the same across their long-haul network from Heathrow – whether you’re flying on the 787 or A380. I really liked the iPad shelf, which allows you to watch your own entertainment, and for it to be charged as well.
Qantas Premium Economy
The ever-popular Premium Economy is a definite step up from Economy. I really liked the integrated pillow into the headrest (pillows come as standard), and the seat also tilts as well as reclines so gives a more natural sleeping position. Ideal for these very long flights. Unsurprisingly, it’s also Qantas’ most popular cabin, especially on the direct flight to Perth (note it isn’t available on connecting services from Singapore, apart from the A380 service to Sydney).
Qantas Business
Qantas’ all-new Business class cabin is available on both the 787 and A380, and has all the latest innovations you find in this class. There’s a long lie-flat bed with plenty of storage, a large television, and again the lovely pillows and even your own pyjamas. These are similar to the kind of seats you’ll find in Business Class with other airlines, such as Emirates or Aer Lingus, where it slides under the seat in front – and are great for a long flight.
Qantas, First
The pinnacle is the First class cabin, only available on the large A380 to Singapore and Sydney, and although similar to the Business class seat, it’s much bigger, swivels and even has an area where you can dine together. It also shares a lounge onboard with the Business class cabin (business class is upstairs), and the ability to use the Emirates first class lounge at Heathrow.
As you know, we are very supportive of independent travel companies, Anzcro is family-owned in Australia, focusing on bringing people to both there and New Zealand. As a trade-only company, they have the very best product, anything from modest three-star, to the very finest five-star hotels.
