Executive Traveller exclusive
Arguably one of the world’s best Airbus A380 experiences is on a triumphant flight path back to Sydney, with Qatar Airways circling June 1 for the superjumbo’s keenly-awaited return as Australians head north for the European summer.
The Airbus A380 will replace the smaller A350 which the Oneworld member has been using to connect the NSW capital to its hub at Doha – and while the double-decker jet lacks those private business class Qsuites, its previous-gen business class still ticks all the boxes for space and comfort with ample room for working, dining from the à la carte menu, relaxing, and at some point snoozing on the lie-flat bed.
There’s also a fresh first class option for Sydney flyers: the A380 is the only jet in Qatar’s international fleet with a first class cabin (at least until the Boeing 777X arrives), with eight spacious open suites.
But the highlight of any flight on the Qatar Airways A380 is a visit to the upper deck premium lounge, where business and first class flyers can relax and socialise while enjoying drinks and snacks from the bar menu, or even have simpler dishes from the business class menu – such as a cheese platter – delivered to them at the lounge.
And if this lounge is among the best places to be on Qatar Airways’ Airbus A380, then the counterpoint worst place to be is in the first row of economy, just beyond the lounge…
… where despite a thick richly-patterened curtain passengers would be tormented by the sounds of chatter and merriment, the popping of the odd Champagne cork and clinking of glasses… although perhaps this would provide the enticement they’d need to upgrade to business class on their next journey.)
Sydney loves the superjumbo
The A380 will slot into Qatar Airways’ daily Doha-Sydney service, with QR909 departing Sydney at 10pm to reach…