Last tuesday night I was invited to attend the launch of the new Perth Qantas business lounge and their new A330 plane. If the idea of being in classy lounges and brand new planes weren't enough of a temptation to go then the free wine and nibbles definitely had me sold.



The architecture and design of the new lounge is inspired by Broome and Western Australia's gorgeous environmental rainforest areas. It boasts a spacious interior equipped with a conference room and free wifi (Hallelujah!) because everyone knows how hard it is to find a good airport wifi hotspot. If free wifi isn't your thing there is also a variety of magazines and newspapers to choose from to pass your time. Possibly my favourite part of the business lounge is that it is fully equipped with the only airport lounge pizza oven in the southern hemisphere (and you know I had to try a piece.....or four).

The new domestic A330 had a completely different layout since I'd last been on a Qantas flight. Firstly the colour scheme is apparently now maroon and black and gone are those drop down tv's that always leave you in an awkward viewing position. The newest addition is the new tablet holders placed in the back of the seat in front of you. If you don't own a tablet however there are iPad mini's on board with the new Qstreaming application available on request. Although you do still get personal tv's in international flights, I feel that the new clip in area is a much more convenient way to pump out a season of your favourite series rather than trapping in your fellow window seater with your tray table on domestic flights. Qantas has also added in personal charging ports for your devices similarly to their international planes which is a huge bonus (no more mid flight dead battery).



The business class area is stunning as expected. Separating screens are non retractible giving you more privacy and each seat has its own aisle so you're not climbing over your neighbour to get to the toilet. Each booth has extra space and storage compared to the previous model and boasts 1 inch longer and 3 inches wider foot room than competitors. There is plenty of room to lie flat and not have your feet hit the seat in front (trust me, I tried). Dreaming of the days where I can actually be the one to sit here for my own flights.