Qantas Boosts Its Global Network: Adds Flights, Aircraft, and New Routes

As global travel demand rises, and the aviation sector rebounds, Qantas embarks on a robust expansion of its international network, further enhancing its pre-pandemic capacity. The expansion encompasses additional flights, reintroduction of stored aircraft, and unveiling new routes.

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By the austral summer of 2023, the Australian airline is adding nearly a million seats to its international schedule, broadening travel possibilities for its customers to Asia, the United States, and the Pacific.

Over the last six months, Qantas has reactivated five aircraft from long-term storage. In May, the airline welcomed a new Boeing 787 Dreamliner to its fleet, with expectations to receive two more in the ensuing months.

The final Airbus A380 stored in the desert was reactivated in January, with another superjumbo scheduled to return to service by year-end, following maintenance and cabin modifications. Further enhancing its fleet, Qantas has reached an agreement with Oneworld alliance partner Finnair to lease two Airbus A330s, to be used on its Asian routes.

These network alterations will elevate Qantas Group’s international capacity to nearly 100% of pre-pandemic levels by March 2024, a significant rise from 44% 12 months ago and 84% today. Following the border reopenings, the Australian group has employed almost 2,400 pilots and crew members, with an additional 300 positions expected to be filled by the year-end.

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The carrier is set to restart its operations to San Francisco (SFO) by May 22 and plans to commence a unique service between Sydney (SYD) and New York (JFK) via Auckland (AKL) in June. The seasonal route to Rome (FCO), as well as flights between Melbourne (MEL) and Hong Kong (HKG), will start next month.

«Qantas has consistently been the most punctual major domestic carrier for the past eight months, and this enhanced performance allows us to utilize some of the aircraft we had in reserve. This is a testament to the recovery of the aviation supply chain and the dedicated efforts of our team across the Group,» shared Alan Joyce, CEO of Qantas.

Qantas Ramps Up for the Austral Summer

Effective from October 29, 2023.

United States

• Melbourne (MEL) – Los Angeles (LAX): frequency will increase from daily to 9 flights per week, bolstering capacity by 60% with the Airbus A380.
• Sydney (SYD) – New York (JFK) via Auckland (AKL): will expand from 3 to 4 weekly flights.

Asia

Japan

Beginning November 26, the airline will double its operations from 14 to 28 weekly flights. The updated schedule includes:

• Sydney (SYD) – Tokyo (HND): escalating from 7 to 14 flights a week.
• Melbourne (MEL) – Tokyo (NRT): increasing from four times a week to daily flights.
• Brisbane (BNE) – Tokyo (NRT): growing from three times a week to daily flights.

Services from Melbourne and Brisbane will transition from Haneda (HND) to Narita (NRT).

Mainland China and Hong Kong

• Sydney (SYD) – Shanghai/Pudong (PVG): resumes after three years with daily Airbus A330 flights.
• Sydney (SYD) – Hong Kong (HKG): Capacity increases by 50% in the peak season, with daily Airbus A380 and A330 flights.
• Melbourne (MEL) – Hong Kong (HKG): Expands from four times a week to daily flights.

Singapore

• Melbourne (MEL) – Singapore (SIN): service escalates from 10 to 14 times a week from March 31, 2024.
• Sydney (SYD) – Singapore (SIN): service grows from 14 to 15 times per week starting March 31, 2024.

India

• Melbourne (MEL) – Delhi (DEL): frequency will rise from three to six times per week during the peak austral summer season.

Pacific and Tasmania

• Brisbane (BNE) – Wellington (WLG): a new daily service on E190 aircraft.
• Brisbane (BNE) – Honiara, Solomon Islands (HIR): a new service operating three times weekly on E190 aircraft.
• Sydney (SYD) – Christchurch (CHC): expands from 11 to 14 flights per week.
• Sydney (SYD) – Queenstown (ZQN): up to 14 flights offered during the high season.