Qantas has unveiled plans to introduce a new premium terminal-to-terminal transfer service for First
customers in partnership with Mercedes-Benz and Sydney Airport. The initiative will be the first time a chauffeured transit service between airport terminals has been offered in Australia, designed to make international–domestic connections faster, simpler and more seamless.
From September to November, Qantas will offer the service to a select group of First customers in a Mercedes Maybach when connecting between T1 (International) and T3 (Domestic). The initiative during this period will be used to seek further feedback from customer, after research showed that First travellers value speed, simplicity and maximising time in the lounge rather than in transit.
Sarah Udy, Qantas Executive Manager Product and Service said the new service reflects the airline’s commitment to improving the end-to-end premium experience.
“As the only airline in Australia to offer this premium transit service, this enhancement is designed to make it easier and more comfortable for our First customers to connect between international and domestic flights after a long journey.
“This service sits alongside the other changes we’ve been making to Qantas First, all aimed at making the
journey for our customers feel more elevated.”
How will it operate?
A Qantas Host will meet customers on arrival and escort them through the airport to a waiting Mercedes Maybach vehicle for an airside transfer between terminals. The service will be available to invited customers travelling on a Qantas First Class fare.
Qantas First is available on services operated on A380 aircraft to destinations including Singapore, London, Los Angeles, Johannesburg and Dallas.
The experience complements existing Qantas First benefits such as priority check-in, priority security lanes, priority boarding and access to Qantas First lounges.
Leanne Geraghty, General Manager Passenger Experience at Sydney Airport, said the new service is a welcome enhancement for travellers connecting through Sydney Airport.
“We’re proud to partner with Qantas and Mercedes-Benz to bring this new premium transfer experience to Sydney Airport passengers. Making connections between terminals faster, simpler and more seamless is a great win for our passengers, particularly those travelling long-haul and connecting onward domestically.”
“This initiative forms part of our broader passenger experience strategy to enhance the customer journey at Sydney Airport. By working closely with our airline partners to remove friction points and improve the end-to-end travel experience, we’re helping deliver a more premium and enjoyable journey from arrival to departure,” Geraghty added.
Said Homero Becerra, Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific CEO, the partnership with Qantas reflects the two brands’ shared commitment to delivering a premium experience.
“At Mercedes-Benz, we believe exceptional journeys are defined by every moment along the way. Our partnership with Qantas brings together two brands united by a shared commitment to delivering experiences that are premium, effortless and seamless.”
“Our vehicles represent the pinnacle of luxury, craftsmanship and comfort, making it the ideal vehicle for this exclusive transfer service. We’re excited to help set a new benchmark for premium travel in Australia, ensuring First customers enjoy a sense of comfort on the ground as they do in the air.”
The premium transit service builds on enhancements to Qantas’ First offering, including elevated dining options, exclusive Aesop amenity kits, premium Bollinger champagne and redesigned pyjamas on its Airbus A380 First cabin.