Now that international borders have finally re-opened, the travel news has been coming in thick and fast in Perth. To make sure that you're on top of all things travel, we've wrapped up all the latest jet-setting news you need to know.
Warning: major wanderlust incoming.
Air New Zealand Is Installing Economy Bunkbeds By 2024
You'll soon be able to stretch those legs out and lay your head down for a little sky-high shut-eye, with Air New Zealand to install new sleeping cabins—dubbed 'Skynests'—on long-haul flights for both economy and premium flyers by 2024. There are of course some catches... you're not getting your own bed the whole flight; the six bunkbeds are communal and available to book in four hour blocks, with bedding changed out between each guest. They also won't be on all flights; they're only installing six Skynest pods across eight Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. But hey, any future that gives us a chance to actually lay down on those deadly 17+ hours flights without splashing out on first class gives us hope.
Qantas Is Serving A New Italian-Inspired Menu From Neil Perry On Its Perth T0 Rome Flights
If you're flying business class on Qantas' new direct service from Perth to Rome, your time in the sky is about to get a whole lot tastier. They've just unveiled a fresh Italian-inspired onboard menu along with new Italian wine varietals made using Aussie grapes for you to slosh back as you enter full Euro holiday mode.
Developed by Neil Perry, the new business class menu will give you a taste of the Mediterranean. We're talking regional recipes like prawn spaghettini, zucchini and basil soup, and grilled fish with peperonata, pine nuts and basil. And for dessert? A traditional tiramisu, of course.
They'll also be rolling out new Italian eats across their first class and business lounges too, so those lucky enough to enjoy lounge privileges can tuck into a cheeky mascarpone tartlet or two before hopping on their flight.
Qantas Just Announced New Direct Flights From Perth To Johannesburg And Jakarta
Qantas has just announced plans to expand its international network from Perth, with new flights taking off to Johannesburg and Jakarta later this year.
The flight from Perth to Johannesburg will be the only direct flight to South Africa from Perth, taking more than six hours off current routes that have to go through Sydney or the Middle East. The new service will be flying three times a week on its Airbus A330 from 1 November, so start planning that bucket-list South African vacay now.
The new Qantas flight to Jakarta will be up and flying from 30 November—the first time since borders closed in March 2020. While other airlines have been flying direct to Jakarta, this will be the first time you can jump on a Qantas flight to the Indonesian capital. It'll also connect you to other Indonesian cities like Surabaya and Medan—giving you even more to explore.
They've also recently restarted their popular direct flights from Perth to London too.
So, where to next?
Image credit: Air New Zealand