This is yet another example of fine reporting and brilliant research. I hope Qantas enjoys their new Boeing A330's.
From the Courier Mail:
Qantas class wars
By Tania Bawden
26dec02
CRITICISM is increasing of Qantas's domestic business-class operations.
Possible seating arrangements in Qantas's new 300-seat Airbus A330-200s are the latest concern.
The wider cabin means business-class travellers may have to contend with a three-seat middle configuration, instead of a preferred two-seat situation.
Phil Hoffmann Travel managing director Phil Hoffmann said he was concerned about the possible loss of space in the Boeing A330-200s.
"I think the businessman pays that bit extra and wants that extra service and comfort and 'three across' doesn't give you extra comfort," Mr Hoffmann said.
He said business-class travellers relied on additional space to work while travelling interstate.
Industry insiders claim that since the demise of Ansett, Qantas has failed to lift spending and service on its top-paying customers – despite its market dominance.
"We just feel business travellers are getting a poor deal," Australasian Business Travel Association chief executive Glenn Buckingham said.
"We believe that the ongoing depreciation of passenger benefits – from boxed food in economy class to shorter seat pitch and fewer air stewards – is not consistent with any reduction in air fares.
"Qantas has 80 per cent (total) market share and they should be able to control demand and manage their yields pretty well."
Rising taxes were also to blame for high ticket costs.
An Adelaide corporate travel agent, who did not want to be named, said of Qantas's domestic business-class services: "There are a lot of complaints."
"Because they are seen as having a monopoly of the (business) market, they should be using it to the customers' advantage," she said.
Budget airlines Virgin Blue and Qantas spin-off Australian Airlines do not offer multi-class services.
Singapore Airlines has emerged as a possible competitor for business-class services if it enters the Australian market.
A Qantas spokeswoman said business passengers would enjoy "more headroom and more generous seat pitch" on the Airbuses.
The new aircraft, to ply the Cityflyer routes between Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth, would seat 35 business-class and 265 economy-class passengers.
Up to 13 of the aircraft are expected to complement 19 new Boeing 737-800s as part of Qantas's $13 billion fleet upgrade.
The spokeswoman said Qantas was continuing to review and invest in its business-class services.
Increased services through the hourly inter-city Cityflyer services, more business-class seats on the 737-800 and enlarged corporate lounges were among the initiatives.
The spokeswoman said an upgrading of the Adelaide Airport club was planned