Photo courtesy: Qantas
Qantas is dialling up the luxury in its Airbus A380 first class cabins, rolling out a refreshed experience that leans into fine dining, Australian design and wellbeing for long-haul travellers. From December, the oneworld carrier is introducing new restaurant‑style menus, exclusive Aesop amenity kits, redesigned pyjamas and premium Bollinger champagne across its international A380 network, with the full upgrade expected to be in place by mid‑2026.
“Margaret in the sky”: Neil Perry’s new first class dining
At the heart of the upgrade is an overhauled dining experience led by Qantas creative director of food and beverage, Neil Perry, drawing directly from his acclaimed Sydney restaurant, Margaret. First class guests departing Australia can expect a rotating selection of signature dishes and new seasonal plates that showcase producers from around the country, all plated restaurant‑style rather than as traditional airline fare. The wine list leans heavily into top Australian labels, supported by an expanded cocktail offering and a new hero pour: Bollinger La Grande Année 2015, served alongside Pommery Cuvée Louise 2006 for those who take their champagne seriously at 38,000 feet.

Aesop amenity kits, new PJs and more comfort
In the amenity stakes, Qantas is partnering with Aesop to introduce three exclusive, collectable amenity kit designs created just for the airline’s first class customers. Each kit is stocked with a curated selection of Aesop skincare and inflight essentials, underscoring Qantas’ push toward more considered, design‑led partnerships in its premium cabins. The soft product refresh also includes new navy Qantas‑designed pyjamas and loafer‑style slippers, tailored for better movement and comfort on ultra‑long sectors.
Designed around rest, wellness and Project Sunrise
Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace says the changes are informed by inflight trials and customer feedback, and sit within the broader push to optimise rest and wellbeing ahead of the airline’s upcoming ultra‑long‑haul Project Sunrise flights. First class customers will be able to dine on demand throughout the flight rather than at fixed service times, allowing them to maximise sleep and tailor their routine to new time zones – a key plank of Qantas’ jetlag mitigation strategy. Cabin crew have been undertaking additional training and service simulations to refine delivery of the new product and ensure consistency across the network.

Where you’ll find the new Qantas first class
The refreshed first class is available on Qantas A380 services from Australia to Singapore, London, Los Angeles, Johannesburg and Dallas, with more flights featuring the new product as the rollout continues. By mid‑2026, Qantas expects all A380 first class routes to offer the upgraded dining, Aesop amenities and new sleepwear, putting its flagship cabin in a stronger position against Middle Eastern and Asian competitors on key long‑haul corridors.
For Australian travellers who see first class as an experience rather than just a seat, Qantas’ latest enhancements bring together serious food and wine credentials, iconic Australian brands and a sharper focus on rest – all signs that the flying kangaroo intends to stay firmly in the premium game as it prepares for the next era of ultra‑long‑haul travel.
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