The world is opening up again and travel is getting busier and busier each day. With most countries accepting tourists to pre-pandemic level, Qatar Airways is also moving fast to accommodate passengers to over 100 destinations worldwide.
And now, the Doha based airline is reintroducing Airbus A380 service to Perth. As of December 6, 2022, Qatar Airways will operate a daily A380 service to the Australian city.
Qatar Airways Reintroduces A380 to Perth
the COVID-19 wave in Australia, the country was completely locked down and passenger numbers decreased significantly due to the capacity control from the government. vices to Perth but with the start of the COVID-19 wave in Australia, the country was completely locked down and passenger numbers decreased significantly due to the capacity control from the government.
But that is not the case anymore. Passengers traveling to and from Australia are growing explosively and to meet the demand, Qatar Airways planned to send its largest aircraft starting this winter.
Qatar Airways A380 Australia Routes & Schedules
Before the pandemic, Qatar Airways operated daily A380s to Sydney, Perth and Melbourne. But this changed over time to A350-900, A350-1000, and B777s.
Currently, the A380 is only flying to Sydney on daily basis but effective December 6, 2022, the A380 will also serve Perth daily with the following schedule:
- QR 900 – Doha to Perth departing at 03:20 and arriving at 19:20
- QR901 – Perth to Doha departing at 21:50 and arriving at 04:20 (+1 day)
Keep in mind that the schedule to Perth will be slightly adjusted by an hour ahead for departures from Doha and an hour late for departures from Perth starting December 21, 2022.
And this is the ongoing schedule to/from Sydney:
- QR 908 – Doha to Sydney(M, T, Th, S, Su) departing at 20:30 and arriving at 18:25 (+1 day)
- QR 908 – Doha to Sydney(W, F) departing at 21:30 and arriving at 19:25 (+1 day)
- QR 909 – Sydney to Doha departing at 22:00 and arriving at 04:55 (+1 day)
Qatar Airways reopens Premium Lounge at London Heathrow Airport
Along with the introduction of the A380 to Perth, Qatar Airways also reopened its lounges that were closed due to the pandemic.
The Premium Lounge at London Heathrow Airport was the first outstation lounge Qatar Airways opened. But due to the pandemic, the lounge was closed for almost two years.
But at last, the lounge has once again opened its door to first and business class passengers departing from Heathrow.
While I have not visited the lounge yet, the premium lounge shows off elegant seating areas, tarmac views, a martini bar, a dedicated family area, prayer room. The lounge also offers diverse dining options which include a full buffet and an à la carte menu served to fine dining at the Brasserie.
Qatar Airways Unveils Brand New Frequent Flyer Lounge at Heathrow Airport Terminal 4
With the reopening of the Premium Lounge, Qatar Airways also revealed its brand new lounge at Terminal 4. The new lounge is called as ”Frequent Flyer Lounge” and it is the first lounge of its kind outside Doha Qatar Airways opened.
The new lounge is located in Terminal 4, a floor below the Premium Lounge, the Frequent Flyer Lounge is open to Qatar Airways Privilege Club and Oneworld elite members.
There are no pictures of the lounge released yet so I can’t explain the details of the lounge but based on the press release, it describes the lounge as follows:
The lounge boasts modern interiors overlooking the tarmac. Eligible customers can indulge in a menu comprising of a hot and cold buffet selection and a range of beverages.
Qatar Airways CEO, Mr. Al Baker, said:
“We are proud to be opening our first Frequent Flyer lounge outside of Doha, offering passengers across the Oneworld Alliance network an oasis of calm and comfort in one of the world’s busiest airports. Qatar Airways is committed to serving passengers travelling from Heathrow with world-class facilities, and we hope that they will enjoy the warm Qatari hospitality offered at the Premium Lounge, FFP Lounge and the dedicated Premium Check-in area.”
I think the lounge will have a similar atmosphere and design to those at Doha which opened recently.
Summary
This week was full of interesting news from Qatar Airways. The airline will operate daily A380 service to Perth, Australia, replacing the current B777-300ERs.
In addition, Qatar Airways reopened the Premium Lounge at London Heathrow Airport and also unveiled a new Frequent Flyer lounge, the first outstation lounge for elite members.
