Qantas’ famed 787-9 Dreamliner played a starring role in the airline’s latest announcement, with Victorian travellers set to welcome a new non-stop Melbourne to San Francisco service announced today.
The announcement came as the airline’s first 787-9 departed from Melbourne, heading to Los Angeles on its inaugural international flight.
Victorian travellers prepared to depart as the first commercial passengers in Australia to experience Qantas’ most advanced aircraft, as the airline’s famed 787-9 Dreamliner departed Melbourne Airport today on its inaugural service to Los Angeles.
The 236-seat Boeing Dreamliner will fly non-stop between Melbourne and Los Angeles six times per week, in addition to the existing daily A380 service from Melbourne. The Melbourne-San Francisco service will commence in late 2018.
Melbourne Airport Chief of Aviation Simon Gandy said he was pleased for Qantas and the airline’s passengers. “The launch of the Dreamliner is a significant milestone for Qantas and we are pleased to be part of the carrier’s history as the host city for the inaugural flight,” said Mr Gandy.
“It’s quite fitting really as Melbourne Airport was also the first airport to launch the Qantas A380 almost a decade ago.”
“The Dreamliner is a game-changer for the industry and Qantas and has gone above and beyond with this product by completely re-designing its travel experience. Improvements have been made to interior elements such as lighting, seating, and in-flight dining.”
“Importantly, the new economics of long-haul services that the Dreamliner delivers mean non-stop services between Melbourne and San Francisco now stack-up commercially for airlines. This is the perfect example of just how these aircraft will change the face of global aviation in the coming years – delivering even more options for Victorian jetsetters than they’ve ever had.”
Mr Gandy said Qantas is now Melbourne Airport’s 10th airline to offer non-stop travel on a Dreamliner.
“This new service joins the growing number of 787 aircraft departing Melbourne, including destinations as diverse as Ho Chi Minh City, Vancouver, Santiago and now Los Angeles as we embrace the revolution taking place in our skies,” said Mr Gandy.
“These aircraft are making our world even more accessible and in a way that enables our customer airlines to keep their costs low, which is good for everyone.”
“The investment in new aircraft technology goes hand in hand with investment by the airport to meet the growth Melbourne is experiencing in international passenger traffic. In the past five years from FY12 to FY17 international passenger numbers have increased by 46 per cent,” said Mr Gandy.
Forecasts predict the airport will serve 60 million travellers per year by 2033 and Melbourne is set to surpass Sydney as Australia’s largest city.
Melbourne’s reputation as a foodie and shopping mecca will be the last impression left with millions of international travellers, as Melbourne Airport today unveiled its newest renovation. The luxury retail and dining precinct within its International Terminal (T2), now includes some of the world’s most desirable fashion and accessories brands, along with exciting bars and restaurants and a brand new duty-free shopping experience.
The new retail and dining precinct in T2 is part of the airport’s commitment to bring the city’s world-renowned shopping, food and beverage experiences to life at the airport.
Chief of Retail at Melbourne Airport, Andrew Gardiner, said: “The vibrant redevelopment has been designed with the modern traveller in mind.
“It captures the essence of Melbourne, from sipping on a cup of locally brewed coffee to indulging in the latest designs from international luxury fashion and accessories brands.”
John Mutton, General Manager Australia of British luxury fashion house, Burberry, said: “Melbourne is synonymous with fashion and we’re thrilled to be bringing Burberry’s high quality, luxury fashion right to the airport. Our new store will be home to the latest Burberry apparel, leather goods and accessories, providing local and international travellers with the opportunity to purchase something special as they arrive or depart.”
Joining Burberry in T2 are retailers including jeweller Tiffany & Co., luxury fashion and accessories brands Salvatore Ferragamo, Max Mara, Bally, Emporio Armani, Michael Kors, HUGO BOSS and Furla, leading luxury luggage retailer, Tumi, and specialty watch store, Watches of Switzerland.
On the dining front, travellers can enjoy a truly Melbourne pre-flight culinary experience at one of six hospitality venues, including a revamped Café Vue by Shannon Bennett, Bar Pulpo by Movida by Frank Camorra and much-loved restaurant Two Johns. For the first time newly announced BaXa (opening late December 2017), Urban Provedore and Brunetti from the Angele Brothers will also be available airside within T2.
Yuri Angele, co-owner of Brunetti, said: “At Brunetti we share Melburnians’ love of irresistible, high-quality coffee and we’re excited to continue bringing this quintessential flavour of Melbourne to the airport, now in T2. With millions of international guests passing through the airport each year, we can’t wait to share our coffee with the world.”
Travellers can also take advantage of the airport’s new duty-free shopping experience, which is the second of Dufry’s next generation concept stores to open worldwide.
Melbourne Airport Chief Executive Officer, Lyell Strambi, said: “We’re really proud of what Andrew and his team have achieved in T2. Airports are either the first or last touch point of a traveller’s journey through our great city, and the refurbished retail and dining precinct delivers an experience that strengthens our customers’ connection to Melbourne, leaving them with a positive and lasting impression of a city they’ll want to return to.”
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