Airlines

Qantas Retains Top Spot as Most Punctual Major Domestic Airline

Qantas Introduces new Group Boarding Inspired by US Practices

Amidst storms, a shortage of air traffic control staff, and high holiday demand, Qantas emerged as the most punctual major domestic airline once again in December.

According to the most recent government data, which was made public today, Qantas (Qantas and QantasLink combined) departed on time 69.5 percent of the time in December, compared to 56.5 percent for its main domestic competitor. Although Qantas has been the most punctual major domestic airline for 16 months running, there is still a lot of room for improvement.

Overall, Qantas’ cancellation rate was about half that of its main rival, at 3.7% as opposed to 7.5%. In December, 5.5% of Jetstar’s flights were canceled, leaving just over 62% of flights to depart on schedule.

Uncontrollable factors, primarily weather and air traffic control issues, contributed 8.2 percentage points and 7.9 percentage points, respectively, to Qantas’ and Jetstar’s on-time performance in December. Roughly half of all Qantas and Jetstar cancellations for the month were caused by uncontrollable factors (1.8 and 3 percentage points, respectively).

More than 75 percent of Qantas flights have departed on time so far in January. Following a September 2023 announcement and gradual rollout, more investments in operational reliability and customer experience are beginning to enhance millions of passengers‘ travel experiences. More backup aircraft are kept on standby, catering is enhanced, baggage tracking is enabled through the Qantas app, and customer recovery procedures are modified if flights are severely disrupted, among other investments.

Airlines

British Airways Unveils Its Brand-New First Class Cabin for the Airbus A380

British Airways has introduced its brand-new First Class seat, blending sleek design with expert British craftsmanship. Reflecting modern British luxury travel, this new cabin is part of the airline’s Airbus A380 retrofit plans, set to take flight in mid-2026.

The updated First Class cabin has been crafted to feel like a modern luxury hotel in the sky, complete with cozy touches and thoughtful British details.

Etihad Airways Unveils 10 Exciting New Routes for 2025

Designed by top experts from across Great Britain and Ireland—including London, Glasgow, West Yorkshire, Kilkeel, and Dublin—the seat reflects the best of British design and quality.

Features and Comforts
The new First Class seat is ultra-wide at 36.5 inches, with a bed length of 79 inches for ultimate comfort. It includes:

A multi-purpose ottoman and stowable table.
A 32-inch 4K TV screen.
Adjustable mood lighting with modes like “relax,” “dine,” and “cinema.”
A cocooned 60-inch curved wall for privacy while maintaining a spacious feel.

Passengers traveling together can enjoy a shared experience with a sliding divider that creates a lounge-like space. The stowable tables also allow for “buddy dining,” where two people can dine together.

The cabin’s flowing curves, inspired by the iconic Concorde wings, create a welcoming and stylish environment. Additionally, passengers can now wheel their luggage directly into their personal storage space, making settling in easier.

This country tops visa rejections in the popular Schengen countries

British Airways carefully considered customer feedback when designing this cabin. The seat includes practical storage and features like a fully rectangular bed for home-like comfort. Every detail, from usability to elegance, has been designed to enhance the travel experience.

British Airways is proud to be the only UK-based European airline offering a First Class product across the Atlantic. british airways premium economy and First Class travelers enjoy exclusive perks such as stylish seats, access to luxury lounges, fast-track security, and the First Wing at Heathrow. The airline ensures a premium experience from booking to landing.

This cabin upgrade is part of British Airways’ £7 billion investment in improving customer experiences. The airline has already introduced over 120 initiatives, including new short-haul seats, free onboard Wi-Fi messaging, and refreshed lounges worldwide.