QANTAS WINNER OF 2008 BEST FIRST CLASS AIRLINE LOUNGE AWARD

		BEST FIRST CLASS LOUNGE
	"the world's most respected and recognised Airline Awards"

"Another one of our closely contested Survey categories, the Best First Class Lounge Award is a true recognition of top-end quality being delivered, and Qantas have set a clear benchmark with their First Class facilities at Sydney Airport" said Edward Plaisted (CEO of Skytrax).

"This lounge in Sydney is the flagship for Qantas. Designed by Australian Marc Newson, the lounge concept for both product and staff service has been modelled around the finest quality you would expect to find in a 5-star hotel or restaurant, and the best part is that the concept is being so well delivered by Qantas" added Plaisted.

Last year's winner of the award, Thai Airways First Class lounge at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, remains well placed in 2nd for 2008, ahead of Qatar Airways First Class Premium Terminal at Doha Airport (3rd), Lufthansa's exclusive First Class lounge in Frankfurt Airport (4th) and a consistent achiever in the World Airline Awards, Cathay Pacific Airways First Class lounge at Hong Kong International Airport in 5th place.

"A top quality First Class lounge today is much more than a comfortable waiting room" said Plaisted. "It has to offer a genuine haven of luxury, with well planned facilities and services all available - and above all, it has to remain comfortable and uncrowded. Each airline seeks to distinguish itself, be it by offering Spa and massage services, jacuzzis, 5-star dining options, bedrooms, and across our top 5 airlines you will find some if not all such facilities. Of course, aside from the actual product offered, we still find that it is the quality of customer handling and customer care that can determine between the very best First Class lounges."

Further enquiries should be directed to:

Mr Peter Miller
Marketing Director
SKYTRAX RESEARCH
E-mail: miller@airlinequality.com