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A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZQANTAS AIRWAYS
Qantas is widely regarded as the world's leading long distance airline and one of the strongest brands in Australia. It is the major Australian airline operating to destinations in the Asia/Pacific region, Europe, North America, South America and Southern Africa, together with towns and cities in all Australian states and territories.Qantas has selected over 500 flight attendants based on merit and has specially trained them to serve the needs of First Class customers. The Boeing 747-400 aircraft has full length First Class sleeper seat that completely reclines to a 6ft6in/198cm long bed, or if traveling with a companion you may choose to share a quiet space in one of three pairs of side-by-side sleeper seats. Complimentary First Class sleeper suits are available. In-flight cuisine has been created by leading Australian restaurateur and chef, Neil Perry. Guided by Neil's philosophy that the cornerstone of good eating is quality produce, Qantas has formed a global network of specialist suppliers.
Every meal in First Class has a distinctive Australian style that also reflects the diversity and flavors of the countries they fly to. A fresh green leaf salad with palm sugar vinaigrette is served as a palate cleanser between courses. Selected cheese are served and of course dessert, such as Raspberry and Meringue Roulade Ice cream. They open the bar prior to take off, and passengers may choose premium French Champagne, beer, juice, wines selected from Australia's finest winemakers. To finish, indulge in a glass of port or liqueur. In March 2001 Qantas began the installation of its new state-of-the-art, in-flight entertainment system -- Qantas Total Entertainment -- in their 747-400s. By the end of 2002 the UK/Europe routes will be entirely serviced by these, with the entire fleet of 28 aircraft completed in February 2003. The new larger 8in/21cm touch screen allows passengers to choose from 18 channels of video entertainment. Qantas Total Entertainment includes 12 movie channels screening the latest movie releases. Six television channels include dedicated comedy and sports channels, kids channel Nickelodeon on Q and a wide range of documentaries, lifestyle and current affair programs. The same system is available in international Business Class.
In 1979 Qantas was the first airline to introduce Business Class. Now they are perfecting it by creating a more comfortable environment with new seats, restaurant quality cuisine. International Business Class flights offer their "Dreamtime Seat" and enjoy premium Rockpool-designed International Business Class dining. They offer a very similar selection of wines found in the airline's First Class, selected by industry expert, Len Evans. Qantas' domestic Business Class is comfortable. It does not have the same seats or the lavish food and beverages found in the international service, but it is certainly of high standard. Travelers can select hot or continental breakfast; lunch may consist of a salad of hot smoked salmon fillet with asparagus and cherry tomatoes served with red wine vinaigrette; and dinner might be chicken braised in tomato and olive sauce with polenta served with a fresh green leaf salad.
International Economy Class has ergonomically designed slim line seats. The seats feature built-in lumbar support and manually adjustable "wings" in the headrest for extra head and neck support. Please note that these seats are available on Boeing 747-400 and 767-300 aircraft; the 747-300 aircraft are due to have them installed by August 2003. Until the program is complete, not all aircraft will provide the product features detailed. Also, on some international sectors, Qantas may operate domestic aircraft, which do not provide the product features detailed above. The new Qantas Total Entertainment system is being installed with individual screens for each seat. The domestic Economy Class offers a more Spartan, but quality service, meals and seating.
The cheerful Australian national character can apparently make a 15-hour trip to Sydney seem like a short hop. The airline delivers a good ride with friendly, efficient service, well prepared and tasty food, and an elegant Business Class, as confirmed by high ratings. Most passengers feel it offers much better quality service than the competition, a few complaints (cramped, disappointing) notwithstanding.
QATAR AIRWAYS
A fairly new airline, founded in 1993, operates a hub-and-spoke network based on the capital Doha, with modern Airbus A300, A320 and A330 aircraft. Qatar Airways' strategy has focused heavily on customer service, and substantial route development and the Far Eastflies to 20 destinations out of its hub in Doha Airport. These destinations are London Heathrow, Munich, Cairo, Damascus, Jeddah, Dhakka (Bangladesh), Karachi, Beirut, Khartoum, Kathmandu, Amman, Trivandrum, Colombo, Mumbai, Dhahran, Dubai, Kuwait, Abu Dhabi, Peshawar, Lahore and recently added the Maldives, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Milan, Casablanca and Sanaa to their network. The airline recently added a new type of aircraft, the A330, which has the absolute latest in in-flight technology.First Class trips with Qatar Airways translates to enjoying one of the most advanced First Class cabins in the world. Along the way, passengers can view any of 21 video channels on 10.4in/26.4cm television screen, with a further 16 audio channels. All First Class Seats onboard the new Airbus A330 are flat bed seats. This is complemented by feather duvets, slippers, pajamas and overnight amenity kit. Extra special touches also include a cappuchino-expresso machine, freshly toasted bread, and eggs freshly prepared in-flight on a skillet.
Business Class offers the same advanced entertainment system found in First Class, and the new A330 Business Cabin is the first in the world to offer Sogerma Sleeper seats, reclining to 160 degrees, with independent lumbar support and a foot massage bar. Passengers choose from a specially prepared in-flight menu with complimentary beverages.
In Economy Class, every seat on the A330 aircraft has its own in-flight entertainment system, with 14 video channels displayed on a personal 6.5in/16.5cm LCD screen showing everything from blockbuster movies to news and documentaries. Seats recline and the headrest "ears" are adjustable. Apart from the children's video channel, kids will receive a Kid's Kit containing all types of goodies and games for all ages. On long-haul flights, there is a full in-flight service with complimentary beverages served throughout. On a short-haul flights, the airline offers a snack box, full of sandwiches, juices and sweets.
Qatar's superior services are further distinguished by an attention to details, and the warmth, hospitality, attentiveness, and professionalism of its crews.
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