How huge changes to major airlines will affect flying
International air travel has undergone a revolution, with safety under scrutiny like never before. Here’s what it means for passengers.
Lifestyle
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It’s been a bumpy return to the skies for the aviation sector.
With international leisure travel still lagging at 88 per cent of pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2023, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation, the struggle to get bums on airline seats is real.
It comes as airline safety is under scrutiny like never before, after a string of mishaps.
Boeing is under pressure to make design changes to prevent a future midair cabin panel blowout, and fix flawed flight control software.
The federal government is expected to release its Aviation White Paper within weeks to help set long-term policies for the aviation industry and ensure the sector remains strong, and protects consumers’ interests.
The industry is responding to its challenges with a fresh age of innovation, with swish new cabins, lavish menus, new safety rules, new technology and deluxe booking systems on the way to temp travellers back to the skies.
So, prepare for takeoff: here are some of the most exciting offerings on the way from the long haul carriers.
QATAR AIRWAYS: SUITE DREAMS IN THE SKY
Qatar delighted audiences at the Farnborough International Airshow in the UK in July when it debuted the world’s first AI flight attendant.
Sama, the digital member of the cabin crew, introduced the latest iteration of the carrier’s Qsuite. Launched in 2017, it’s a business suite with a door, giving an enviable amount of privacy.
Qatar Airways senior vice president product development and design Xia Cai said Australians will get to experience the Qsuite Next Gen for themselves on flights starting in 2025.
The concept will be rolled out first to the airline’s fleet of Boeing B777s and eventually its Airbus A350 planes, which fly between Doha and Melbourne, Adelaide and Brisbane.
“The Qsuite Next Gen features added privacy with increased suite height, digitally controlled taller dividers, and will be equipped with 4K OLED Panasonic Astrova IFE screens – a first in the aviation industry,” Ms Xia said.
“The screens can be repositioned to the side to create the largest social and productivity space in the sky for up to four passengers in the Quad Suite, and up to two passengers in the Companion Suite – an ideal way for families to travel together.
“We see the Qsuite Next Gen as a real game changer in the industry, being mindful of supporting a work-life balance with its revolutionary attributes for all professionals, friends and families,” Ms Xia said.
QANTAS: JETTISONING JETLAG
The Flying Kangaroo has spent 150 hours in a specialised Airbus facility in Germany developing a solution to one of the biggest problems facing the international long-haul
traveller: jet lag.
The airline has been perfecting customisable cabin lighting which has been scientifically proven to reduce the symptoms of jet lag.
Qantas partnered with the Charles Perkins Centre to develop the technology as part of their “Project Sunrise” series of ultra long-haul routes.
The next of these flights – Sydney to New York non-stop in 22 hours – is due to begin in late 2025.
“Based on state-of-the-art modelling of circadian rhythms, the Charles Perkins Centre advised the optimal spectral irradiances for light to promote circadian adaptation, sleep, and wake,” Qantas said.
“The lighting sequence will be tailored to help passengers adjust to their destination time zone before they set foot on the ground.”
The Airbus A350s will also boast a wellbeing zone comprised of “integrated stretch handles, guided on-screen exercise program, a hydration station and a range of refreshments”.
INDIGO: TAKING CARE OF WING WOMEN
India’s budget carrier has unveiled a new booking system which allows female travellers to choose if they wish to sit next to other women.
IndiGo, which codeshares with Qantas, especially on routes to India, announced the new safety initiative in July.
When a woman is making her seat selection online, pink boxes on the seating chart will indicate a female is seated there.
Men will not be privy to the gender of their seat mate.
“IndiGo is proud to announce the introduction of a new feature that aims to make the travel experience more comfortable for our female passengers,” the carrier said.
“We are committed to providing an unparalleled travel experience for all our passengers, and this new feature is just one of the many steps we are taking towards achieving that goal.”
EMIRATES: PREMIUM SEATS
The Dubai-based carrier is continuing the rollout of its new premium economy class which now boasts two daily services from Sydney and Melbourne.
Barry Brown, divisional vice president of Emirates Australasia, said the new cabin class, which was named ‘Best Premium Economy’ in the AirlineRatings.com Airline Excellence Awards this year, is being introduced globally as part of the multi-billion dollar retrofit of the airline’s Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 fleet.
“The new cabin offers passengers a signature experience unmatched in the industry, with plush cream leather seats, generous baggage allowance and an exceptional dining experience, staffed by a team of cabin crew dedicated to premium economy passengers,” Mr Brown said.
Emirates is making a highly anticipated return to Adelaide from October 28 with a daily service connecting the South Australian capital with Dubai.
They are also upgrading their second daily flight from Brisbane to Dubai from a Boeing 777 to an Airbus A380 aircraft in October, which will add up to 100,000 extra seats per year.
A second daily service from Perth will be added from December 1.
Emirates Skywards members across all seating tiers now have access to free wi-fi in the air.
CATHAY PACIFIC: LIVE SPORTS ON DEMAND
Cathay Pacific is also rolling out a fresh new look, with its retrofitted Boeing 777-300ERs launching later this year.
“These aircraft will feature our new business class Aria Suite, new premium economy and a refreshed economy, all of which have been designed with the customer experience top of mind,” said Frosti Lau, the airline’s regional general manager for Southwest Pacific.
Mr Lau said Cathay Pacific had just unveiled its new in-flight safety video that takes customers through important in-flight safety procedures set against the dynamic backdrop of Hong Kong. It is being progressively rolled out since August 1.
He said the airline was currently in the trial phase of providing complimentary in-flight Wi-Fi to business class customers and Cathay Diamond members.
Customers in the air during the Olympics have been able to catch the events live with
Premier League, UEFA Champions League, NBA and Formula One action also available as it happens.
SINGAPORE AIRLINES: SPARKLING (AND SAFETY) FIRST
In the wake of the turbulence incident on board a Singapore Airlines flight in May, the airline has tightened its seatbelt rules.
Singapore Airlines now halts the meal service if the seatbelt sign comes on and they also do not serve hot drinks until it is turned off.
But when it comes to Singapore Airlines’ food and beverage service, it’s worth the wait.
While some save the fancy fare for those at the pointy end of the plane only, Singapore Airlines is meeting passengers halfway – in premium economy.
Since late March, premium economy guests have been treated to a glass of champagne on arrival and an equally sparkly new three course menu which rotates more than 200 dishes.
Those who don’t want to be restricted to one of the two main courses on offer during their flight can opt to “Book the Cook” and preselect from among 20 options online.
A Singapore Airlines spokesperson said the new premium economy dining options were “presented in elegant custom-made porcelain serviceware”.
“Our premium economy class has been popular with customers, who appreciate the added amenities, heightened comfort, and the extra personal space it offers at an excellent value.”
Singapore Airlines increased its flights into Brisbane from August 4. The number of flights running four times weekly has increased from 21 to 25, to add to the existing schedule of three flights running every day of the week.
AIR NEW ZEALAND: EXTREME MAKEOVER
Hold on to your seats, Air New Zealand’s entire fleet is getting one hell of a coat of fresh paint.
Chief customer and sales officer Leanne Geraghty said the first passengers would soon experience the revamped planes.
“Later this year our new cabin interiors and seats will begin rolling out on board our current Boeing 787-9 aircraft,” Ms Geraghty said.
“Think Extreme Makeover airline edition!
“On board you’ll find our new business premier luxe seat situated in the front row of the business premier cabin while our business premier, premium economy and economy cabins will all feature stunning new interiors and seats.
“Our entire fleet of 14 787-9 aircraft will be fitted out with these new interiors on a rolling schedule between the end of 2024 and the end of 2026.”
The Kiwis have also introduced a swanky new menu for those seated in the premium cabins.
Highlights include crayfish bisque with chive creme fraiche and slow cooked wild Fiordland venison.
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
Engineers are working on hypersonic planes that could revolutionise travel by making intercontinental trips in just a few hours.
These advanced planes aim to cut long-haul travel times significantly, but their success hinges on developing viable business models.
Hypersonic technology is a step beyond the supersonic Concorde jets, which travelled nearly twice the speed of sound but were ultimately unprofitable due to high fuel costs. Companies like Boom Supersonic are trying to make supersonic flights economically viable again, though they face significant financial hurdles. The company has signed deals with United Airlines and American Airlines.
Separately, ngineers are exploring new approaches, including ultra-fuel-efficient designs and solar-powered planes, which could remain in the air for extended periods. These innovations may play a key role in shaping the future of high-speed air travel.
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