Qantas 2006 Annual Report Download - page 17

Network Developments
• A world-class, purpose-built Integrated Operations Centre was
opened in Sydney in August 2005, bringing together operational
decision makers from across the Qantas Group to monitor and
manage fl ight operations, help deliver on-time performance –
a key focus for Qantas – and minimise disruption to schedules.
• To take advantage of changing weather conditions, Qantas
tailors its fl ight paths on Pacifi c, Asian and European routes to
match particular conditions on any given day. A fl ight path that
takes advantage of favourable wind conditions can shorten
fl ying time by up to 15 minutes. These User Preferred Routes
will be expanded to fl ights across Australia in 2007/08.
• The use of wide body aircraft on routes between the east
coast and Perth was increased – for example, B747-300 aircraft
began operating some services between Sydney and Perth
from April 2006.
• More discounted seats were made available across the network,
with an additional 200,000 lowest available Red e-Deal fares
purchased in 2005/06 compared to the previous year. The periodic
release of promotional fares also continued to stimulate demand
for travel.
• To cater for business travellers, a discounted off-peak Business
fare was introduced in September 2005 and a second Flexi
Saver fare was added in October 2005. These new fare types
provide additional choice and refl ect market demand for
greater fl exibility.
• Extra capacity was added during peak travel periods through
a combination of more services and larger aircraft. For example,
capacity was added for major sporting events including the
2006 FIFA World Cup qualifi er and the National Rugby League
and Australian Football League fi nals.
Product Developments
• A substantial investment program is underway to increase
self-service and online options, refocus on the customer
experience and develop more value-added services.
• An enhanced QuickCheck product was rolled out this year
making it faster and easier than ever for domestic e-ticket
customers to check-in for their fl ight. Since October 2005,
more than 80 new QuickCheck kiosks have been progressively
introduced in fi ve Australian domestic airports – Brisbane,
Canberra, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. QuickCheck facilities
for the new Adelaide Airport terminal are planned for 2007
and QuickCheck kiosks are also available in the Brisbane,
Canberra, Melbourne and Sydney Qantas Club lounges
for members travelling without bags.
• Since August 2006, customers in Sydney and Melbourne have
been able to check-in for their fl ight at their hotel if they are
a guest of Sofi tel, the Accor group’s deluxe hotel brand. The
initiative will be expanded to other Sofi tel locations in Australia
over time. QuickCheck facilities are also being installed in other
Accor properties across Australia.
• With fi ve million visits each month, qantas.com is recognised
as the world’s top airline site by Global Reviews and Australia’s
most popular travel and aviation site by Hitwise. The site’s
success is a result of extensive research into what customers want
from their online experience, including access to the lowest fares,
product information and a full range of Frequent Flyer services.
Qantas has continued to invest in self-service options for
qantas.com, including BPay for cash payment, introduced in May
2006, and the ability to book complex multiple-sector journeys.
Online domestic bookings have increased fi vefold for the Qantas
Group in the past four years to 44 per cent. Online check-in will
be available later this year.
Two Strong Brands Qantas and Jetstar
Qantas Domestic
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Qantas Annual Report 2006