Western Spar

The battlelines are drawn at Perth Airport

For nearly a decade following the Ansett collapse, Qantas was unchallenged as the business traveller’s airline of choice across the country. While the no-frills Virgin Blue was growing its presence in the leisure market, it remained unable to compete with its larger adversary for the lucrative business market.

Despite adding premium economy and opening up ‘The Blue Room’ lounges at some airports, Qantas eclipsed Virgin in terminal space, lounge access, frequent flyer perks and onboard product.