LOS ANGELES – September 27, 2006 – For the fourth time in five years, Qantas Airways was named the world’s No. 1 airline for in-flight entertainment by the World Airline Entertainment Association (WAEA) at its 27th Annual Conference and Exhibition. Garnering the top award for the second year in a row, Qantas received top honors for Best Overall In-flight Entertainment. Also acknowledged were the airline’s robust entertainment options, including Best In-flight Entertainment Guide and Best Entertainment for Inseat Systems (full cabin).
“It is an honor to be recognized as one of the premier examples of excellence, especially when it comes to providing passengers the best in-flight entertainment,” said Wally R. Mariani, senior executive vice president of Qantas Airways, The Americas and Pacific. “Our ongoing commitment to our passengers distinguishes us as a leader and innovator in the airline industry, especially when it comes to in-flight amenities. On all non-stop flights from the U.S to Australia, Qantas is the only carrier to offer award winning entertainment options to all its passengers,” he added.
The Qantas award winning, non-stop entertainment system highlights include:
” Brand new, state-of-the-art Total Entertainment system recognized with the highest Avion Award
” Personal seatback video screen with a choice of new release movies, TV shows, Q Games and Q Radio
” The latest trend in entertainment with Audio Video On Demand (AVOD) that gives passengers control of their own entertainment options is being progressively introduced
” Economy Class passengers can choose from a variety of movies, television programs, Q radio channels and games
” Business and First Class passengers have a choice of additional new release movies and all-time favorites
Each year, the Association acknowledges innovation in in-flight entertainment for the world’s leading airlines. A 23-member expert panel rates airlines and awards the honors for in-flight audio, video, print and interactive media. Determined by a composite score each qualifying airline receives, the awards, now in its 18th year, honor excellence in several categories, including “Best Overall.”
Founded in 1979 as a non-profit organization, the WAEA is the official worldwide network representing nearly 100 airlines and more than 250 airline suppliers committed to excellence in in-flight entertainment and communications and the continual improvement of the airline passenger environment.
About Qantas Airways
Qantas Airways is a global air carrier with more than 200 aircraft offering service to 140 destinations in 40 countries. Founded in 1920, Qantas Airways in 2004 celebrated 50 years of continuous flying between North America and Australia with more non-stop flights to Australia and New Zealand than any other carrier and provides convenient connections from New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Honolulu to Indonesia, India and South Africa via the Sydney hub. In addition to this latest distinction, Qantas was named Airline of the Year 2004 by Air Transport World magazine and has long been recognized for its continued focus on excellence in the air as well as on the ground. Qantas’ business class Skybed sleeper seat received the prestigious Chicago Athenaeum Museum 2004 Good Design Award.
