Qantas Brings Back First Class With Upgraded A380 Cabins

Qantas will reinstate its full First Class offering at the end of this month with improvements both on the ground and in the air as international travel continues to recover. The national carrier is also waking up more of its A380 aircraft with VH-OQH the fourth Qantas superjumbo to rejoin the fleet this month.

Qantas Chief Customer Officer Stephanie Tully said the return of the airline’s most premium product is a positive sign for the future of international travel.

“We know that our customers have missed the Qantas A380 travel experience as much as our team has missed being able to provide it for them so it’s fantastic that we’re back in the air with our premium full service on these newly refurbished aircraft,” she said.

Here’s everything you need to know about Qantas’ A380 cabin updates, and First Class taking off once again.

Refreshed Qantas A380 seating

In August 2021, Qantas announced it would return 10 of its 12-strong fleet of Airbus A380s to service. While these aircraft lay dormant in the desert and elsewhere across the world, the airline refreshed cabins and increased the number of premium seats offered.

Qantas’ refurbished A380 aircraft features a restored economy cabin, a larger premium economy cabin with 60 seats and a business cabin with 70 updated business suites. In addition, First seats have been refreshed. The upper deck lounge has also had a full upgrade with booth style seating for 10 people, a self-service bar and an option to order signature drinks and snacks.

All in, the refurbished A380s seat 485 passengers. That’s 14 First, 70 Business, 60 Premium Economy and 341 Economy seats.

Upgraded A380 First Class Suites

The updated First Class cabin is popular among travellers for its comfortable suites with fully lay-flat beds, premium Neil Perry multi-course dining experience, superb Australian wine cellar and Martin Grant designed PJs.

Qantas First Class Lounge

For a few months, Qantas has extended an invitation to its Sydney and Melbourne International First Lounges for those who might not have been previously eligible.

But from 27 March, Qantas will reopen it’s Sydney and Melbourne International Business Lounges as more passengers take to the skies for international travel. That means a more personalised experience for anyone eligible for First Class Lounge access.

First Lounge customers will again enjoy a Neil Perry curated à la carte dining menu, Champagnes and fine Australian wines, as well as a seasonal cocktail selection. The Spa will also reopen offering bespoke pre-travel treatments such as hot stone massages and mini facials using LaGaia products.

Qantas will also reopen its First Check-in at Sydney International, available for First Class passengers and top tier Frequent Flyers.

Where will Qantas fly the A380?

Qantas currently operates A380 flights from Sydney to Los Angeles and from June will also operate flights between Sydney and London via Singapore.