9 February 2012

Another world first for Jetstar with global wine award

• Jetstar wins Best Business Class White Wine in Cellars in the Sky Awards
• First low cost carrier in the world to win in the Award’s 27-year history
• Reflects Jetstar’s commitment to giving customers more choice

Jetstar has achieved another global first, becoming the first low cost carrier to win Best Business Class White (Waipara Hills NZ, Sauvignon Blanc, 2010) at the prestigious Cellars in the Sky Awards held in London, UK.

Cellars in the Sky is an internationally esteemed competition run by Business Traveller magazine, which rewards the quality and innovation of wine available on long-haul flights across 12 wine categories.

Jetstar’s entries were assessed by a respected panel of judges who performed blind taste testings of wines from 33 airlines around the world.

The judges assigned 95 out of 100 points to Waipara Hills NZ, Sauvignon Blanc, 2010, describing it as: “...crisp, fresh and herby with a hint of celery. Not too acidic and not too much residual sugar. A good core – balanced, focused and intense.”

Jetstar was also awarded second place for Best On-Board Business Class Cellar. Jetstar’s parent airline Qantas scooped awards in six different categories.

Jetstar Group CEO, Bruce Buchanan, said Jetstar was honoured to be the first low fares airline recognised at these awards – a mantle normally reserved for full service carriers.

“Some may regard this as a surprise win for a low fares airline, but it reflects the effort invested in making our Business Class cabin a great experience for leisure travellers for less than you would expect to pay for this level of quality and service,” Mr Buchanan said.

“Credit for this award belongs to our wine panel and Jetstar’s cabin crew, who work hard to deliver award-winning service for all our customers, every day.”

In 2011, Jetstar asked four respected wine experts to form a panel and find the best regional products suited to customers’ tastes.

The airline also recently introduced iPads as in-flight entertainment, allowing customers to enjoy the latest release movies, TV shows and music, and a line-up of the latest generation games, e-magazines and e-books.

Jetstar panellist and international wine expert, Matt Skinner, said: “These awards are not only a testament to Jetstar’s Business Class service, but to the outstanding talent and professionalism of the winemakers based Australia and New Zealand. All the wines we select are both good quality and excellent value and appeal to what the Jetstar customer enjoys,” Mr Skinner said.

Cellars in the Sky Awards for Jetstar:

FIRST PLACE:
Category: Best Business Class White Wine
Wine: Waipara Hills, Sauvignon Blanc, 2010

SECOND PLACE:
Category: Best On-Board Business Class Cellar (i.e. full selection)
Wines:
Stella Bella Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot, 2008
Nepenthe, Pinot Noir, 2010
Waipara Hills, Sauvignon Blanc, 2010
Lisa McGuigan, Pinot Gris, 2011
Bay of Fires Tasmanian Cuvee Brut Pinot Noir Chardonnay MV

About Cellars in the Sky Awards
Established in 1985, Cellars in the Sky celebrates the best airline wines served worldwide in Business and First Class. An independent panel of judges made up of renowned wine experts blind taste entries over a two-day period to determine the winner in each of the 12 different categories, as well as give additional recognition in seven categories.

About Jetstar Business Class
Business cabins are available on Jetstar long-haul A330 services and include extra-roomy, all leather seats, all meals and beverages, in-flight entertainment, a comfort pack, generous baggage allowances and options to purchase excess baggage. You can also upgrade your Business Class fare with the option of earning Qantas Frequent Flyer points and Status credits at Qantas business rates (on eligible flights), lounge access (where available) and refundability by choosing Jetstar’s Business Max option.

ENDS

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