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Qantas Unveils Its Dreamliner Cabin Design and New Livery

Oct. 27, 2016
3 min read
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Qantas Unveils Its Dreamliner Cabin Design and New Livery
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Today, Qantas unveiled details and seating configurations for its 787-9 Dreamliners, which it plans to phase into the fleet throughout 2018 and 2019. The Australia-based carrier is set to take delivery of its first Dreamliner in 2017, and it hasn't yet released the routes on which the Dreamliners will fly, but we do know the configuration of each of the aircraft.

The Qantas Dreamliner will seat 236 passengers across three cabins — business, premium economy and economy. As a point of comparison, American Airlines' 787-9 aircraft features 285 seats across four cabins, and United's Dreamliner features 252 seats. Qantas hasn't released the exact configuration of its seats or cabins, but we do know that the business-class cabin will be arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration and feature fully flat beds.

The 1-2-1 configuration on the Dreamliner is a definite step above the carrier's business-class layout on its A380, which is arranged in a 2-2-2 configuration. With the Dreamliner's layout, each passenger will have direct aisle access.

Farther back in the cabin of the aircraft, we don't yet know the configuration or dimensions of the premium economy or economy cabins. However, based on pictures, it's easy to make out that the economy cabin will most likely feature a 3-3-3 configuration.

Each economy seat will have a personal device holder and USB ports, more storage areas and an updated in-flight entertainment touchscreen. In addition, each seat will feature an updated version of Qantas' footrest for additional comfort when reclined — a definite positive when sitting in economy on a long-haul flight.

There's no word yet on where the 787 will fly, but Qantas said that it will take over routes that are currently operated by its 747s, which consume far more fuel. The carrier also said that the first international flights on the Dreamliner will go on sale before Christmas, so there's something to look forward to.

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The airline isn't just updating the interior on some of its aircraft; it also announced today that it's updating its iconic kangaroo livery. The thought behind the new livery is to make it more modern — along the same lines as its updated Dreamliner cabins. Both the kangaroo on the tail of the updated livery and the typography of Qantas are set to change. The new livery is set to roll out through the Qantas network starting today with its digital assets, signage and advertising. Updating of its aircraft livery is expected to be complete in 2020.

Are you going to try out Qantas' new Dreamliner when it's available?

H/T: Point Me to the Plane

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Apply for American Express® Gold Card
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Rewards Rate

4XEarn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
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  • Annual Fee

    $325
  • Recommended Credit

    Excellent to Good

Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.