Clear air for big changes

Sitting in an aircraft is a big part of the adventure of travel. We are leaving the everyday behind and heading into new adventures.

There are two factors in our distinct categories when it comes to flying from Perth.

HUBS We either fly through hubs, as we might through Southeast Asia with Singapore Airlines or the Middle East, with Emirates Airlines in Dubai or Qatar Airways in Doha (and in those airlines alone, we have pinnacles of quality and destination connectivity). If we are travelling long-haul, flying through a hub both breaks the journey, and gives us the chance of a stopover.

DIRECT We can also make our choice based on where we can fly direct for Perth.

Two good examples are flying direct to Japan with All Nippon Airways or to Bali or Jakarta, in Indonesia, with Batik Air. And in those two airlines, we see the range available from top quality to the more affordable. ANA will increase its Perth to Tokyo services from three times per week to daily between December 1, 2025, and April 19, 2026.

WHAT’S IN THE AIR

New premium cabins, the “next gen” economy cabin, aircraft upgrades, improved connectivity and lounge upgrades are all on the cards over the next 12 months.

“The aviation industry is stepping up in ways we haven’t seen in years in response to continual passenger volume growth, both globally, and in Australia,” says Tom Walley, global managing director of Corporate Traveller, Flight Centre Travel Group’s flagship corporate travel company.

And Tom says that the changes go beyond incremental improvements. They will set new standards for how Australians travel.

“For those not able to afford the ‘pointy end’, there are also upgrades coming to the economy cabin and broader aircraft upgrades that will make the journey more comfortable and better connected to life on the ground,” he adds.

The Qsuite Next Gen by Qatar Airways offers private space, Emirates also claims to be in the process of developing next-generation economy seating (although details remain under wraps) and Singapore Airlines will retire its last 737-800 jets by late October 2025, paving the way for lie-flat beds in every business class seat aboard its fleet, says Tom. That will mean free wi-fi access for KrisFlyer members across its entire fleet.

our FIVE TO FLY TO

Singapore & beyond.

London via Dubai or Doha as a “halfway stop” in the Middle East.

New York via Middle East to the East Coast of the US, or Singapore, then New York direct.

Direct to Johannesburg in South Africa, Tokyo in Japan, Ho Chi Minh in Vietnam.

Interstate for those wanting near-home, short flights, we pick Adelaide in South Australia.