Emirates' A380 on board lounge is getting a makeover to include booths for passengers and sound-proof curtains. Picture: David Copeman

SLEEP V EAT

Qantas is working with academics to determine the best time for meal services on longer flights, for the purpose of enhancing sleep quality. Currently the food service starts an hour after takeoff, but uni experts are looking at a range of other options.

FANCIER FOOD

Cathay Pacific has teamed up with Michelin-starred Italian restaurant Tosca to serve dishes straight from its mouth-watering menu to First and Business Class passengers on selected flights from Hong Kong into Cairns, Brisbane, Sydney, Adelaide, Melbourne and Perth in April.

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Business Class dining caters to a range of palettes and cultural preferences on Cathay Pacific.Source:Supplied

COOL CONNECTIONS

Analysis by Cheapflights.com.au found it’s not just low fares travellers want. Flight duration is the second biggest determining factor as to whether a fare is booked spurring airlines on to streamline travel with more connecting flights.

PRE-FLIGHT PAMPERING

Spa treatments are offered by a number of airline lounges but travellers don’t need to be flying First Class to access them. Brisbane International’s pay-to-enter Plaza Premium lounge has opened Australia’s first organic airport spa offering 15 to 20-minute massages and facials.

ThePlaza Premium lounge at Brisbane International Airport.Source:Supplied

SMART SLEEPWEAR

Passengers up the pointy end of Emirates’ aircraft should arrive at their destination glowing, thanks to world-first “moisturising” pjs. The lounge suits use Hydra Active microcapsule technology to keep the skin hydrated by releasing naturally moisturing Sea Kelp during movement.

Private Suites for First Class customers, including luxurious Bulgari products as standard in amenity kits, a private mini-bar, vanity table, mirror and wardrobe.Source:Supplied

GROUND-BREAKER

The hotly-anticipated unveiling of Qatar Airways’ patented Super Business Class happens next week in Berlin, promising a double-bed for travellers willing to pay for the privilege. Aussie travellers should see the innovation on Qatar’s A350s and Boeing 777-200ER jets before the end of the year.

Qatar Airways Airbus A350 is set to unveil an even better business class. Picture supplied.Source:Supplied

FUTURE FLYING

Boeing’s 787-10 Dreamliner is being put through final testing ahead of its first commercial passenger flight with Singapore Airlines next year. Longer than other Dreamliners, the 787-10 has room for 330 passengers but a shorter range at just under 12,000km.

Boeing's 787-10 Dreamliner. Longer and with more seating and cargo capacity than a 787-9 but just as fuel efficient. Picture: BoeingSource:Supplied

PAPERLESS TRAVEL

The clock is ticking on those pesky departure cards which are tipped to disappear from Australian airports in the next 12-months. Most of the information supplied on the cards is already collected electronically by airlines and at SmartGate kiosks, making them — almost — redundant.

SmartGates now in operation across Australia’s eight international airports.Source:Supplied