AusBT Awards 2011: Best Airline for Australian Business Travellers

Best Airline for Australian Business Travellers: Qantas

Our ultimate accolade recognises the airline which the Australian Business Traveller Awards panel believed delivered the best experience and value for business travellers. And this year, that airline is Qantas.

It’s been a tough year for Qantas, and the Aussie flag-carrier always has its share of detractors – perhaps now more than ever, following months of dragging industrial disputes climaxing in a dramatic 48 hour shutdown of the entire airline.

But after adding up the business travel benefits – upgraded business lounges (which complement the award-winning International First Lounge), streamlined Next-Generation Check-in (now across Australia and into New Zealand), decent business class seats and the benefits of oneworld membership – the result was a clear win for Qantas.

This will naturally be a controversial choice among readers and frequent flyers. And there’s no doubt that Qantas has lifted its game due to John Borghetti’s ambitious overhaul of Virgin Australia, which is now poised to challenge Qantas in almost every way. But Virgin Australia isn't quite there yet.

We expect a much tighter contest in December 2012, after Virgin Australia has rolled out business class across its entire network and also introduced its in-flight entertainment system.

After all, competition is good for business – and as we've seen this year, that includes business travel!

Click here to see all winners in the Australian Business Traveller Awards 2011.

The Australian Business Traveller Awards are judged by an independent panel of business travellers and frequent flyers plus the AusBT team, and provide a uniquely Australian perspective on the best products and services for Australia's estimated 2.6 million business travellers.