QANTAS

Qantas started flying this route in March 2018. At 14,500km, this is the third longest commercial flight in operation and the first scheduled nonstop between the UK and Australia.

Business class is spread over two cabins in a configuration of 1-2-1 (A-EF-K). The seat is a Thompson aerospace seat with a 46 inch seat pitch, 80 inch bed seat length and either a 23-24 inch seat width or a 24-25 bed width. The seating configuration allows direct aisle access to every passenger. When the seat is fully reclined the feet of the passenger move under the side table of the seat in front. The window seats are either close to the window or slightly further away and closer to the aisle.

The seat has several pre-sets, and there are two options for take-off and landing meaning you don’t have to be completely upright, which adds to comfort. I imagine this is because of the shoulder strap as well as the waist strap for safety (which you only have to wear for takeoff and landing).

The seat has lots of storage space and has a good size arm rest on both sides. The centre seats have a divider, which is up but can be lowered if you want to chat to the passenger in the neighbouring seat. There is more storage under the side tables. There is a single washroom at the front and two washrooms at the rear between the two business class cabins.

My jacket was hung up and I was offered a drink – water or champagne. Amenity bags with flight socks, eye mask, ear plugs and toothbrush and toothpaste were offered, along with very comfortable pyjamas.

There was a good selection of films for the in-flight entertainment. There is no wifi on board and the video news didn’t work.

Meal orders were taken quickly – before the drinks orders, and service seemed a little quicker because of that, with the food being prepared while drinks were offered.

The service was extremely good – friendly, informative and eager to help. The meal started with a signature cocktail and a canapé of armacino with shitake mushroom – very nice.

I worked for a while and then reclined the bed to sleep. the bed was very comfortable, if a little narrow compared to the very best business class beds, and the footwell a little tight when turning over, but I had no problem sleeping for six hours.

I woke about three hours before landing. Breakfast was served about two-and-a-half hours before landing. Before that I was offered coldpressed melon juice and a choice of coffees.

The breakfast was excellent – I had coldpressed green juice with kale, silverbeet, celery, apple, cucumber and lemon, and macadamia toasted muesli with cranberries.

The onboard service was among the best I’ve experienced, and the cabin and seat are extremely comfortable. I hope this route is successful – it makes Perth seem much closer.