Plenty of airlines ply the skies between Australia and Asia. And whether you want to be soaking up the sun in Bali and Phuket, exploring the streets of Hong Kong, shopping your heart out in Singapore or taste-testing street food in Vietnam, there is a carrier to, well, carry you there. Here are just some of the airlines, where they go (with the help of partner networks) and what they have to offer.
Malaysia Airlines
Award-winning service with a unique Malaysian touch.Malaysia Airlines, the country’s flag carrier, has been making guests feel at home in the air for more than 40 years. Award-winning service with a unique Malaysian touch provides an unparalleled experience in the air.
The cabin
In economy class, there is a 32-inch seat pitch, personal 10.6-inch screen, and travellers have a 30-kilogram baggage allowance (maximum two pieces).
Dining
Malaysia Airlines has up to 20 special meals to suit religious, medical and dietary requirements, and all meals are halal. First Class and Business Class guests may peruse the Chef on Call menu, which comprises 25 meals including local and Western dishes in both savoury and sweet options. Orders can be placed 24 hours before the flight.
Where it flies
Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Hong Kong & mainland China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.
Qantas
The famous Flying Kangaroo! Image: QantasMost travellers will be familiar with the Flying Kangaroo – aka Qantas, Australia’s premium, full-service airline, with entertainment, refreshments and checked baggage included.
The cabin
The economy cabin has ergonomically designed seats, on-demand inflight entertainment, generous baggage allowance and complimentary amenity kits.
Dining
Qantas offers restaurant-style services in the sky and in its lounges. The international economy dining experience includes large meals, lots of options and the ability to pre-order your meal, featuring an additional exclusive dish.
Where it flies
Cambodia, Hong Kong & mainland China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.
Royal Brunei Airlines
Fly into the capital to see Brunei's Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque. Image: GettyThe flag carrier of the Sultanate of Brunei operates one of the youngest fleets of long-haul aircraft globally.
The cabin
Economy has complimentary meals and refreshments. Seats have 33-inch seat pitch, nine-inch personal touchscreens, USB ports and shared power supply.
Dining
Food Fit to Fly is the airline’s food philosophy, ensuring light and healthy (and halal) meals are available to everyone. Be aware that Royal Brunei operates alcohol-free flights to all destinations.
Where it flies
Brunei, Hong Kong & mainland China, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
Scoot
Scoot's Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Image: ScootScoot is a low-cost, long-haul airline offering value airfares across Asia and beyond. The low-cost model means you pay for what you use. Based in Singapore, Scoot connects Australia to more than 90 Scoot and partner destinations with a fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliners.
The cabin
The economy cabin has a 3-3-3 configuration on the 787. Standard seats have a 31-inch seat pitch; super seats have up to 35-inch pitch; and stretch seats have more than 35 inches pitch. With MaxYourSpace, you can buy an empty seat next to you, if available. A ScootinSilence quiet cabin zone is available for guests 12 years and over. Food, movies and Wi-Fi are available for purchase, as is a Snooze kit with blanket, pillow and eye mask.
Dining
Scoot offers hot meals, wraps and salads, snacks, drinks and Australian wines for purchase. Guests can also pre-order Premium Selections, which features Asian and international favourites, such as Singapore’s signature dish of chicken rice.
Where it flies
Hong Kong & mainland China, India, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand.
Singapore Airlines
From the skies to the skyline, Singapore is all class. Image: GettyAward-winning Singapore Airlines has been serving Australia for about 50 years. Recent accolades include Best Airline in the World, Best Airline Service Excellence, Best Economy Class and more.
The cabin
Economy class has innovative, ergonomic design to minimise intrusion; 1,000 options on KrisWorld inflight entertainment, 10.6-inch personal monitors, in-seat power supply and adjustable headrest for support. For more legroom, you can choose Preferred Seats with wider seat pitch.
Dining
A selection of Asian and international cuisine is available in economy class. Before you fly, pre-order dishes specially created by the International Culinary Panel of chef, using the celebrated Book the Cook service, available in Premium Economy Class and above.
Where it flies
Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Hong Kong & mainland China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.
Thai Airways International
Personal touchscreens are part of the cabin experience with THAI.THAI offers passengers a ‘smooth as silk’ journey with generously spaced seating, elegant service and a choice of cuisine. THAI is part of the Star Alliance group, giving access to more than 1,300 destinations worldwide.
The cabin
The Economy cabin, in bright and cheerful colours, has spacious seating with a 122-degree recline. There are personal touchscreens, PC power outlets and USB ports. And travellers can take 30 kilograms of checked luggage.
Dining
THAI serves a quality selection of Asian and Western cuisine, and there is a full-service bar, including French and other international wines, spirits, juices and hot and cold beverages. You can pre-book dietary, health and religious menus.
Where it flies
Bangladesh, Cambodia, Hong Kong & mainland China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan and Vietnam.
Virgin Australia
Virgin Australia is high on style.Virgin Australia is committed to creating a highly engaging, stylish and effortless flying experience, coupled with award-winning service.
The cabin
Economy class features luxury leather seats with up to 31-inch seat pitch, inflight wireless entertainment on select aircraft, and a 23 kilogram baggage allowance on most economy fares. Premium Economy features a 41-inch seat pitch, laptop power and USB, in-seat 10.6-inch screen, comfort pack and priority check-in and boarding.
Dining
Getaway and Freedom guests receive complimentary food and selected beverages. A selection of snacks and other beverages can be purchased subject to availability. Premium guests receive a champagne cocktail and canapés before take-off and a-la-cart cuisine in flight.
Where it flies
Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam.
Elements of this article first appeared in Travel ideas – Air, edition 2.
*Featured image: Getty
