Reluctant Americans are behind Qantas' quest to develop a cargo class

Qantas' "out there" idea to develop a new travel class in the cargo hold is aimed at getting middle-class Americans to shake off their reluctance to fly long-haul across the Pacific, Fairfax Media has learned. Last month, Fairfax Media revealed Qantas CE Alan Joyce had begun exploring a new "cargo class" concept which could be installed on super long-haul direct flights from Sydney to the US and London. The idea, while still in incubation, could involve lie-flat bunk berths, which Airbus has announced it is developing in partnership with Zodiac Aerospace, or it could be a common area for stretching, exercise and relaxation. The idea is likely to be pitched to premium economy customers who would be allocated a time during the flight that they could use below deck. In March, Qantas debuted its first non-stop route between Australia and the UK and, while it won't provide data, it says bookings on the Perth to London leg have been very strong, particularly in business class. Joyce wants Qantas to fly from Australia’s east coast to London by 2022. But industry sources said the cargo class idea was aimed not at the British but squarely at American tourists who have been traditionally reticent to journey to Australia because they see it as too far away. <br/>