Kangaroo with wings offers splendid journey down under

0 Comments | Oakland Tribune, Nov 12, 2008 | by Ed Arnow

The future of commercial aviation has arrived in California. It's a Qantas Airlines kangaroo with wings that can take hundreds of people on a big, speedy hop across the Pacific. The A380 Airbus is in service, and I just made the trip on the inaugural flight from Los Angeles to Melbourne.

For many reasons, it was more than just a delightful, fascinating experience. This revolutionary aircraft changes the definition of getting from point A to point B.

The timing couldn't be better. Right now, Australia is one of the few places in the world where the buck still gets a bang. In this case, it's a big bang. The U.S. dollar exchange rate with the Oz dollar is at its most favorable level in years. And lovely Australian summer weather is just around the corner south of the equator. If that isn't enough, there are ecologically good reasons for choosing this flight.

The A380 Airbus uses about 25 percent less fuel than previous superjets, and has far less carbon dioxide emissions. It is quieter both inside and outside the plane, and is smoother and more comfortable than any other plane in the sky. Additionally, it has 50 percent more floor space than a Boeing 747.

Big airplanes have been in a holding pattern for years. There's been nothing new since the 747 came into service almost 40 years ago. Boeing's new challenge in the superjet category is expected next year, when the 787 takes to the skies. That plane also is big but not nearly as large as the Airbus A380.

If the Airbus is configured only with economy seats, it could put 800 passengers in its double-decked cabin. But Qantas had comfort and spaciousness in mind by configuring the plane for "only" 450 passengers. There are 332 economy seats and 32 in premium economy. Business class has 72 seats and 14 first-class suites. Tickets in economy are priced the same as on other planes. Luxury business and first seats are pricier.

If you're headed to Australia, make your reservation early because Qantas now has only one A380 in service. Nineteen more will come later, and for good reason. The expectation is that Australian tourism will continue to grow as a vacation attraction. In addition to the Airbuses, Qantas has 65 Boeing 787s on order. Delivery of the Boeing big birds is scheduled to start next year.

Qantas' Airbus looks the same on the outside as other A380s but is different inside. Comfort and convenience were the Qantas watchwords. Its seats are unique. In business class, they recline into a fully-flat sky bed. In economy, newly designed seats offer a bit more leg room. The economy cabins also offer the ease and convenience of self-service snack bars. It's not so much size, but what you do with it.

With Qantas, it's non-stop from Los Angeles either to Sydney or Melbourne depending on flight days. Both cities are modern, charming and loaded with visitor attractions. Ballooning over Melbourne is a must. Bondi beach on the outskirts of Sydney shouldn't be missed, especially now when it's swimming weather in Australia.

A tip for passengers flying to Sydney is to take the time to see a great exhibit Qantas has set up in the Sydney Airport domestic terminal. The Qantas Heritage Center is free, and features the history of commercial aviation as seen through the eyes of Qantas, the world's most experienced airline. Qantas has been in uninterrupted service since 1920, longer than any other airline currently flying.

Suffice it to say, Jumbo used to be the name of an elephant. As of now, Jumbo is a wizard of a kangaroo flying to Oz.

Ed Arnow can be reached at BrentwoodBuzz@aol.com