As of August 2011 Qantas and its subsidiaries operate 284 aircraft, which includes 59 aircraft by Jetstar Airways, 56 by the various QantasLink-branded airlines, 10 by Jetconnect, 10 by Network Aviation, four by Express Freighters Australia and five by Qantas Freight. The Boeing customer code for Qantas is 38. This code appears in Boeing aircraft model numbers (such as 747-438).
Qantas has named its aircraft since 1926. Themes have included Greek gods, stars, people in Australian aviation history, and Australian birds. Since 1959, the majority of Qantas aircraft have been named after Australian cities. The Airbus A380 series, the flagship of the airline, is named after Australian aviation pioneers, with the first A380 named Nancy-Bird Walton.
Qantas has two aircraft painted in Australian Aboriginal art liveries: Wunala Dreaming (Boeing 747-400ER ), and Yananyi Dreaming (Boeing 737?800 ). Both carry striking, colourful liveries, designed by Australian Aborigines. There was previously a third livery Nalanji Dreaming (Boeing 747?300 ), but the aircraft was sold for spare parts in 2007.
Qantas historical fleet
;First aircraft Qantas' first aircraft was an Avro 504K (a replica of which can be seen at
Sydney Airport's Qantas Domestic Terminal 3 on departures level) with a 100 horsepower (74�kW) water-cooled Sunbeam Dyak engine. By 1921 it also operated a Royal Aircraft Factory BE2E with a 90 horsepower (67�kW) air-cooled engine.
;During World War II During World War II Qantas operated flying boats on the Australia-England route. This service became a vital line of communication between Australia and the United Kingdom.
;Lockheed Constellation era After World War II Qantas modernised its fleet with Lockheed Constellation aircraft. By 1956 the airline was operating 34 propeller-driven aircraft. Qantas carried a record number of passengers to the XVl Olympic Games in Melbourne, and also carried the Olympic flame into the Southern Hemisphere for the first time on its longest ever trip, from Athens to Darwin.
;Jet era Qantas entered the Jet Age in July 1959 with Boeing 707 services to the USA. The service was extended to London (via New York). Sydney?London services (via India) began in October 1959. With the certification of the turbofan engine, Qantas modified its existing 707?138 fleet with the turbofans, naming its Boeing 707 aircraft V-Jets, from the Latin vannus, meaning ?fan? as commonly accepted, but really standing for ?thing that blows against the grain?. In total, Qantas took delivery of seven Boeing 707?138 aircraft, and a further six ?138Bs.
By the 1970s Qantas had acquired Boeing 747 aircraft, which strengthened its long haul fleet. The fleet as of 1970 is listed below.
Services
In-flight entertainment
Qantas has several in-flight entertainment systems installed on its aircraft. Across the fleet, the in-flight experience is referred to as "On:Q". Apart from the QantasLink-operated Boeing 717s and Dash 8s, which do not have either audio or video entertainment options, every Qantas aircraft has some form of video audio entertainment.
iQ
"iQ", is featured in all classes of the Airbus A380, as well as newer Airbus A330-200s. It will be implemented on new Boeing 737-800s, and Boeing 787s when they enter service. This
audio video on demand (AVOD) experience is based on the
Panasonic Avionics system and features expanded entertainment options, touch screens, new communications related features such as
Wi-Fi and mobile phone functionality, as well as increased support for electronics (such as USB and
iPod connectivity).
Total Entertainment System
The "Total Entertainment System" by
Rockwell Collins is featured on all Boeing 747?400, Airbus A330-300 and international-configuration Airbus A330-200 aircraft. This AVOD system includes personal LCD screens in all classes, located in the seat back for economy and business class, and in the armrest for premium economy and first class.
Qantas Mainscreen
The other entertainment system is the Mainscreen System, where video screens are the only available form of video entertainment; movies are shown on the screens for lengthier flights, or TV programmes on shorter flights. A news telecast will usually feature at the start of the flight. Audio options are less varied than on iQ or the Total Entertainment System.
The Mainscreen System is installed on on all Boeing 737-400s, domestic configured Boeing 737-800s (delivered before 2011) as well the economy and most business class sections on Boeing 767s. International-configured Boeing 767 aircraft have Mainscreen throughout the cabin however also offer a 10-channel looped personal video system in Business Class.
Nine's Qantas Inflight News
The Australian
Nine Network provides a news bulletin for Qantas entitled Nine's Qantas Inflight News. This news bulletin includes all the latest news, sport, finance and weather details presented by
Amber Higlett. The bulletin is the same broadcast as Nine's
Early Morning News.
In-flight magazine
The Qantas in-flight magazine is entitled
The Australian Way. The magazine, along with a travel blog featuring entries from Qantas ambassadors and the ability for frequent flyers to post comments.
In-flight internet connectivity
Boeing's cancellation of the
Connexion by Boeing system caused concerns that in-flight internet would not be available on next-generation aircraft such as Qantas' fleet of Airbus A380s and Boeing 787s. However, Qantas announced in July 2007 that all service classes in its fleet of A380s would have wireless internet access as well as seat-back access to e-mail and cached web browsing. Certain elements would also be retrofitted into existing Boeing 747-400s. The in-flight entertainment system indicates that Internet access is provided by
OnAir.
In-flight mobile phone trial
Qantas announced in April 2007, a trial for use of mobile telephones with
AeroMobile, during domestic services for three months on a Boeing 767. During the trial, passengers were allowed to send and receive text messages and emails, but were not able to make or receive calls.
Cabin
First class
First class is offered only on the Boeing 747?400 and Airbus A380.
On the Boeing 747?400, first class is in the form of flat bed sleeping pods with 79�in seat pitch with each seat being 22�in wide. It folds flat to form a 6�ft 6�in (198�cm) fully flat bed. Other features include a 26�cm (10.4�in) touch screen monitor with 400 AVOD programs and personal 110�V AC power outlets in every seat. Qantas offers 14 seats on all the 747-400s equipped with first class.
On the Airbus A380, Qantas offers 14 individual suites, with 83.5�in seat pitch (extending to a 212�cm fully flat bed) and a width of 29�in. Each suite has a 43�cm (17�in) wide screen HD monitor with 1000 AVOD programs. In addition to the 110�V AC power outlets offered on the 747-400, USB ports are also offered for connectivity. Passengers are also able to make use of the on-board business lounge on the upper deck.
Complimentary access to either the first class or business class lounges (or affiliated lounges) is offered.
Business class
Business class is offered on all Qantas mainline passenger aircraft.
International Business Class is available on the Boeing 747, some International Airbus A330-200s, the A330-300 and the Airbus A380. On the Boeing 747, seating is in a 2-3-2 configuration on the main deck and a 2?2 configuration on the upper deck. The A330 features a 2-2-2 configuration. The lie-flat Skybeds feature 60�in of seat pitch and 21.5�in width. 747s and A330s features a 26�cm (10.4�in) touch screen monitor with 400 AVOD programs. Qantas' new international business class product is featured on the Airbus A380. It features 72 fully flat Skybed seats with 80�in seat pitch (converting to a 200�cm long bed). These seats are located on the upper-deck in a 2-2-2 configuration in 2 separate cabins. features include a 30�cm touch screen monitor with 1000 AVOD programs and an on-board lounge. On the internationally configured Boeing 767, seating is in a 1-2-2 configuration, which include a 13�cm monitor with 10 channels of video and 12 channels of audio.
Complimentary access to the Qantas business class lounge (or affiliated lounges) is also offered.
Premium economy class
Premium economy class is only available on Airbus A380 and certain Boeing 747?400 aircraft. It has a seat pitch of 38�in on the Boeing 747 & it ranges between 38?42�in on the Airbus A380, with a width of 19.5�in. On the Boeing 747, it is configured in a 2-4-2 seating arrangement around the middle of the main deck, whilst it is in a 2-3-2 at the rear of the upper deck on the A380. All A380's have 32 seats.
Qantas premium economy is presented as a lighter business class product rather than most other airlines' premium economy, often presented as a higher economy class.
Economy class
Economy class is available on all Qantas mainline passenger aircraft.
Seat pitch is usually and seat width ranges from 17 to . Layouts are 3?3 on the 737, 2-3-2 on the 767, 2-4-2 on the A330 and 3-4-3 on the 747. On the A380, the layout is 3-4-3 and there are 4 self-service snack bars located in between cabins.
Awards
Service Award
Skytrax Airline of the Year�? listed in the top five airlines in the world for five consecutive years. Skytrax Best Airline Australia�? 2005, 2006, 2008 Skytrax Best Regional Airline Australia�? 2006, 2008
Entertainment
WAEA Avion awards Best Overall Inflight Entertainment�? 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006Inflight entertainment guide�? 2005, 2006WAEA Avion awards Best Entertainment for Inseat Systems�? 2006
Wine awards
Best First Class Red ? 2009 Cellars in the Sky Awards Best First Class Fortified ? 2009 Cellars in the Sky Awards Best First Class Cellar ? 2009 Cellars in the Sky Awards Best Presented Wine List ? 2009 Cellars in the Sky Awards Best First and Business Class Wine List�? 2005 cellars in the Sky Awards.Most Original First Class Wine List�? 2007, 2008 cellars in the Sky Awards.Best First Class�? 2007 Cellars in the sky awardsBest Business Class Sparkling Award�? 2007 cellars in the Sky AwardsBest Consistency of Wines across Business and First�? 2007 Cellars in the Sky Awards
Design Awards
2009 Australian International Design Award of the Year�? A380 Economy Seat2010 ? The Chicago Anthenaeum?s Annual Good Design Awards�? A380 First Class Suite
Qantas Frequent Flyer
The Qantas Frequent Flyer programme rewards customer loyalty. Points are accrued based on distance flown, with bonuses that vary by travel class, and can be earned on Oneworld airlines as well as other partners. Points can be redeemed for flights or upgrades on flights operated by Qantas, Oneworld airlines, and other partners. Other partners include credit cards, car rental companies, hotels and many others.
| + Qantas Frequent Flyer Tiers | !Tier Level | Benefits |
| | :* Earn points with Oneworld aliance airlines�? American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific et al | :* Earn points on other partner airlines | :* Earn points with retail partners�? Woolworths Everyday Reward Card et al | :* Earn points through eligible Qantas Frequent Flyer associated credit cards�? ANZ, NAB, Westpac et al | Membership fee for Australia and New Zealand residentsFree membership for residents of other countries |
| | :* Receive all the benefits of Bronze tier | :* Earn 50% more than the base Frequent Flyer points | :* Premium Check-In Service (complimentary use of Next Generation Check-In (Q-Tag) | :* Priority reservation waitlisting | :* Baggage Bonus Allowance | :* Advance Seat Reservation (immediate) | :* One complimentary access card (one time use only) for entrance to the Qantas Club, per year | :* Preferential access to Qantas Classic Award seat bookings | Earn 300 Status credits to qualify, 250 Status credits per year thereafter to retain |
| | :* Receive all the benefits of Silver tier | :* Earn 75% more than the base Frequent Flyer points | :* Priority check-in, boarding and baggage handling | :* Complimentary membership and access to the Qantas Club | Earn 700 Status credits to quality, 600 Status credits per year thereafter to retain |
| | :* Receive all the benefits of Gold status | :* Earn 100% more than the base Frequent Flyer points | :* Fast track Check-In | :* Highest level of priority and recognition | :* Access to Qantas First lounges | Earn 1400 Status credits to qualify, 1200 Status credits per year thereafter to retain |
To join the programme, passengers living in Australia or New Zealand pay a one-off joining fee, and then become a Bronze Frequent Flyer (residents of other countries may join without a fee). All accounts remain active as long as there is points activity once every eighteen months. Flights with Qantas and selected partner airlines earn Status Credits�? and accumulation of these allows progression to Silver Status (
Oneworld Ruby), Gold Status (
Oneworld Sapphire) and Platinum Status (
Oneworld Emerald).
Qantas has faced criticism regarding availability of seats for members redeeming points. In 2004, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission directed Qantas to provide greater disclosure to members regarding the availability of frequent flyer seats.
In March 2008, an analyst at JPMorgan Chase suggested that the Qantas frequent-flyer program could be worth A$2�billion (US$1.9�billion), representing more than a quarter of the total market value of Qantas.
On 1 July 2008, a major overhaul of the programme was announced. The two key new features of the programme are Any Seat rewards, in which members can redeem any seat on the plane, rather than just selected ones�? at a price. The second new feature is Points Plus Pay, where members can use a combination of cash and points to redeem an award. Additionally, the Frequent Flyer store was also expanded to include a greater range of products and services.Announcing the revamp, Qantas confirmed it would be seeking to raise about A$1�billion in 2008 by selling up to 40% of the frequent flyer program.However, in September 2008, it stated it would defer the float, citing volatile market conditions.
The Qantas Club
The Qantas Club is the business-class airline lounge for Qantas with airport locations around Australia and the world. The Qantas Club offers membership by paid subscription (one year, two years or four years)or by achievement of Gold or Platinum frequent flyer status. Benefits of membership include lounge access, priority check-in, priority luggage handling, increased luggage allowances.
Facilities at the Qantas Club vary by lounge, but typically include:
Lounges also include power points, free local-call telephones, television, and quiet areas. As of April 2007, wireless internet access is now provided free.
Some international lounges were upgraded in 2007. New First and Business lounges opened in Bangkok and Los Angeles, along with completely new First Class lounges in Sydney and Melbourne, designed by Marc Newson.
Lounge access
Members are permitted to enter domestic Qantas Clubs when flying on Qantas or
Jetstar flights along with one guest who need not be travelling. Internationally, the guest must be travelling with the member. When flying with
American Airlines, members have access to
Admirals Club lounges and when flying on
British Airways, members have access to the
Terraces Lounge.
Platinum Frequent Flyers had previously been able to access The Qantas Club in Australian domestic terminals at any time, regardless of whether they are flying that day.
Travellers holding Oneworld Sapphire or Emerald status are also welcome in Qantas Club lounges worldwide.
Airline incidents
===Aircraft incidents and accidents===It is often claimed, most notably in the 1988 movie
Rain Man, that Qantas has never had an aircraft crash. While it is true that the company has neither lost a jet airliner nor had any jet fatalities, it had eight fatal accidents and an aircraft shot down between 1927 and 1945, with the loss of 63 people. Half of these accidents and the shoot-down occurred during World War II, when the Qantas aircraft were operating on behalf of Allied military forces. Post-war, it lost another two aircraft with the loss of 17 lives. To this date, the last fatal accident suffered by Qantas was in 1951.
Since the end of World War II, the following accidents and incidents have occurred:
On 7 April 1949, Avro Lancastrian VH-EAS swung on landing at Dubbo during a training flight, causing the gear to collapse. The aircraft was destroyed by fire, but the crew evacuated safely. On 16 July 1951, de Havilland Australia DHA-3 Drover VH-EBQ crashed off the coast of New Guinea (in the Huon Gulf near the mouth of the Markham River) after the centre engine's propeller failed. The pilot and the six passengers on board were killed. To date, this was the last fatal accident suffered by Qantas. On 24 August 1960, Super Constellation VH-EAC crashed on take-off at Mauritius en route to the Cocos Islands. The take-off was aborted following an engine failure, the aircraft ran off the runway, and was destroyed by fire. There were no fatalities. On 23 September 1999, Qantas Flight 1, a Boeing 747?400 VH-OJH, overran the runway while landing at Bangkok, Thailand, during a heavy thunderstorm. The aircraft ended up on a golf course, but without fatalities. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau criticised numerous inadequacies in Qantas' operational and training processes. On 25 July 2008, Qantas Flight 30, a Boeing 747?400 VH-OJK, on the leg from Hong Kong to Melbourne, suffered a rapid decompression and made an emergency landing in Manila after an explosion. There were no injuries. The ATSB officially stated that the incident was caused by the failure of an oxygen tank. On 7 October 2008, Qantas Flight 72, an Airbus A330-300 VH-QPA "Kununurra" travelling from Singapore to Perth, suffered a rapid loss of altitude in two sudden uncommanded pitch down manoeuvres causing serious injuries while from Learmonth, Australia. The aircraft safely landed in Learmonth, with 14 people requiring transportation by air ambulance to Perth. Another 30 people also required hospital treatment, while an additional 30 people had injuries not requiring hospital treatment. Initial investigations identified an inertial reference system fault in the Number-1 Air Data Inertial Reference Unit as the likely origin of the event. On receiving false indication of a very high angle of attack, the flight control systems commanded a pitch down movement, reaching a maximum of 8.5 degrees pitch down. On 4 November 2010 Qantas Flight 32, an Airbus A380, named "Nancy-Bird Walton" and registered VH-OQA, fitted with four Trent 972 engines manufactured by Rolls-Royce suffered an uncontained turbine disc failure of its left inboard engine shortly after taking off from Singapore Changi Airport. The flight returned to Singapore and landed safely, and all 433 passengers and 26 crew on board survived uninjured. Cowling parts of the failed engine fell over Batam island, Indonesia.
Extortion attempts
On 26 May 1971, Qantas received a call from a "Mr. Brown" claiming that there was a bomb planted on a Hong Kong-bound jet and demanding $500,000 in unmarked $20 notes. He was treated seriously when he directed police to an airport locker where a functional bomb was found. Arrangements were made to pick up the money in front of the head office of the airline in the heart of the Sydney business district. Qantas paid the money and it was collected, after which Mr. Brown called again, advising the 'bomb on the plane' story was a hoax. The initial pursuit of the perpetrator was bungled by the
New South Wales Police Force who, despite having been advised of the matter from the time of the first call, failed to establish adequate surveillance of the pick-up of the money. Directed not to use their radios (for fear of being "overheard"), the police were unable to communicate adequately. Tipped off by a still-unidentified informer, the police arrested an Englishman, Peter Macari, finding more than $138,000 hidden in an
Annandale property. Convicted and sentenced to 15 years in prison, Macari served nine years before being deported to Britain. Over $224,000 has still not been found. The 1985 telemovie
Call Me Mr. Brown, directed by
Scott Hicks and produced by Terry Jennings, relates to this incident.
On 4 July 1997, a copycat extortion attempt was thwarted by police and Qantas security staff.
Sex discrimination controversy
In November 2005, it was revealed that Qantas has a policy of not seating adult male passengers next to unaccompanied children. This led to accusations of discrimination. The policy came to light following an incident in 2004 when Mark Wolsay, who was seated next to a young boy on a Qantas flight in New Zealand, was asked to change seats with a female passenger. A steward informed him that "it was the airline's policy that only women were allowed to sit next to unaccompanied children".
Cameron Murphy of the NSW Council for Civil Liberties president criticised the policy and stated that "there was no basis for the ban". He said it was wrong to assume that all adult males posed a danger to children. The policy has also been criticised for failing to take female abusers into consideration.
Price fixing
Qantas has pleaded guilty to participating in a cartel that fixed the price of air cargo. Qantas Airways Ltd. was fined $155,000 CAD after it admitted that its freight division fixed surcharges on cargo exported on certain routes from Canada between May 2002 and February 2006.
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